Department for Transport

Bus Services: Competition

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the recommendations made to the Government by the Competition and Markets Authority regarding the Bus Services Bill, published on 29 June 2016, what assessment he has made of the powers of the Competition and Markets Authority to block bus franchising schemes.

Andrew Jones: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will not have any specific powers to block bus franchising schemes. More widely, the CMA has powers to conduct market studies and investigations in markets where there may be competition and consumer problems and investigate where there may be breaches of UK or EU prohibitions against anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant positions. Further detail on the Competition and Markets Authority’s specific powers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/212285/CMA1_-_Towards_the_CMA.pdf

Manchester Metrolink

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department plans to provide funding for the expansion of the Manchester Metrolink after the UK leaves the EU.

Andrew Jones: The Government has provided significant levels of funding over recent years to help extend the Manchester Metrolink system. More recently Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has funded further extensions from its own resources and only this month the Secretary of State authorised TfGM’s application to construct an extension through Trafford Park. TfGM is welcome to bid for further funding through the Local Growth Fund. In addition the Department is currently assessing bids from TfGM and other local authorities for development funding for large schemes which includes further extensions of the Metrolink system. Funding will be available to construct those schemes which are successful in this competition.

Railway Stations: Taxis

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October to Question 46630, if his Department will amend train franchising contracts to regulate train operating companies charging taxi drivers to pick up passengers at train stations.

Paul Maynard: I refer the Hon. Member to my previous answer of 10 October.

Bus Service Operators Grant

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, House of Lords Official Report, 12 October 2016, column 1897, what the format is of the review the Government is undertaking of the bus service operators' grant system; and when the priorities and objectives for that funding will be set out.

Andrew Jones: Over the last few years the Government has been conducting a two stage review of the Bus Service Operators Grant system (BSOG), looking at whether changes to the system could be introduced to improve further its effectiveness in supporting bus services in England. As part of stage one of the review, several reforms to the system were introduced during 2013/14, including the devolution to Transport for London of funding for bus services in London. More recently, as part of stage two of the process, we have been reviewing how BSOG funding can best be used to support those bus services outside London which are not tendered by local authorities. We hope to be in a position to say more about the way forward in the near future.

Electric Vehicles

Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to encourage changes from diesel to electric vehicles.

Mr John Hayes: The Government is spending more than £600 million by 2020 to support the development, manufacture and uptake of electric ultra low emission vehicles in the UK. This programme includes grant incentives for motorists to purchases vehicles, and funding for the installation of chargepoints at home and at work. Our aim is that all new cars and vans should be zero emission by 2040. This will mean that almost all cars and vans on our roads are zero emission by 2050. The tax system also supports the transition to cleaner vehicles, for example pure electric vehicles are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. At Autumn Statement 2015 the Chancellor confirmed that the diesel supplement would be retained in company car tax until 2021. HM Treasury has recently consulted on how company car tax can best incentivise ultra low emission vehicles.

Southeastern: Rolling Stock

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2016 to Question 47481, when he plans to make an announcement on the provision of additional rolling stock to Southeastern.

Paul Maynard: The Department is working with Southeastern to develop the proposal and business case to provide additional rolling stock, and an announcement will be made in due course.

A34: Safety

Mr Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Minister of State of 26 October 2016, Official Report, column 136WH, when he plans to begin consultation on the study of safety on the A34.

Mr John Hayes: On 26 October 2016, the Secretary of State for Transport tasked Highways England to carry out a safety study on the A34. Highways England wrote to West Berkshire Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police on 27 October 2016 inviting them to collaborate as part of this study. A further series of meetings have been arranged with key stakeholders in November to consider the scope of the safety study. I will of course be meeting with the Hon Member and other Members whose constituencies are affected on 22 November to discuss further the safety of the A34.

Driving: Safety

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many responses his Department received during the public consultation on advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle technologies.

Mr John Hayes: The consultation “Pathway to driverless cars: proposals to support advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle technologies” ran between 11 July and 9 September. It is currently being analysed, and a response will be issued in due course.

Taxis

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many officials of his Department are working on the Government's response to the Law Commission's review of taxi and private hire services, published in May 2014.

Andrew Jones: The number remains unchanged since the answer provided on 10 May 2016 (UIN 36705). There are currently three officials in the Department for Transport working on taxi and private hire vehicle policy. One of those officials works full-time on taxi and private hire vehicles, and it forms a core part of the work load of the other two. Their responsibilities include scrutiny of the Law Commission recommendations for reform of taxi and private hire vehicle legislation. This level of staffing for work on taxis and private hire vehicles remains essentially consistent with that going back to 2009/10. The Government will respond to the Law Commission report once scrutiny is complete.

Railways: Overcrowding

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the effect on the physical and mental health of rail users of overcrowding on trains.

Paul Maynard: The Department does not undertake any specific assessment of the effect on the physical and mental health of rail users of overcrowding on trains. The Department recognises the need to create more capacity on the network, to relieve the overcrowding and provide a better traveling environment for passengers across the country. Recent commitments include an overall capacity boost of nearly 70% across the Trans Pennine Express franchise region during the morning peak, and nearly a 40% increase in capacity for passengers travelling into the 5 major commuter cities served by the Northern franchise (Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle) during the morning rush-hour. The Northern franchise will also provide more services and more space on the Cumbrian Coast line, with timetable improvements to benefit workers at Sellafield and Whitehaven.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Social Services: Council Tax

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the potential uptake of social care precept by councils in each year to 2020-21.

Mr Marcus Jones: Council Tax is a locally raised and set, and it is for local authorities to decide whether they wish to make use of the adult social care ‘precept’. The government has published figures for Core Spending Power each area and each year up to 2019-20, which includes the amount of funding that would be available to them if they chose to take advantage of it.

Home Shopping

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of online retailers on small high street businesses.

Andrew Percy: The Government does not collect data regarding the effect of online retailers on small high street businesses. The growing ‘convenience culture’, with 35% of online shoppers using click and collect, is boosting the traditional high streets revival, driving people back on to the high street.   This Government has also taken action: our high streets will benefit from the £6 billion Business Rates support package announced at the last Budget. Since 2010, the Government has helped create over 360 town teams, and given over £18 million to towns - funding successful initiatives such as “Love your Local Market” and the “Great British High Street”.   The Future High Street Forum commissioned a Digital report, Digital 2020, which was published in March 2015 which looked at what help our high street businesses need to adapt in the digital age. A digital pilot in Gloucestershire was launched earlier this year with the support of the Future High Street Forum and GFirst LEP to support SMEs to embrace digital.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Tidal Power: Swansea Bay

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to announce a decision on the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Jesse Norman: We will consider the findings of the independent review of tidal lagoons, which is due to report by the end of 2016, before deciding how to proceed.

Energy Companies Obligation

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with the scheme administrator of the levy-funded Energy Company Obligation on monitoring requirements for households to make capital contributions towards the cost of any energy efficiency work from April (a) 2017 and (b) 2018.

Jesse Norman: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published the ‘ECO: Help to Heat’ consultation’ [1] on 29 June 2016, which requested views on whether and how the Department should collect additional data on costs of the scheme from April 2017, including contributions from consumers. As part of that exercise, Departmental officials have discussed options with Ofgem E-serve, including the option set out in the consultation of conducting a sample survey. BEIS will include a summary of responses to the consultation when it publishes its formal response.[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/energy-company-obligation-eco-help-to-heat

Energy Companies Obligation

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate his Department has made of the total value of client contributions that could be sought by obligated suppliers under the levy-funded Energy Company Obligation from April 2017 to April 2018.

Jesse Norman: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will publish its estimate of customer and third-party contributions towards measures to be installed under the Energy Company Obligation from April 2017 as part of the government’s response to the consultation exercise held between June and August: ‘ECO - Help to Heat’ [1]. [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/energy-company-obligation-eco-help-to-heat

Fuel Poverty

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Committee on Fuel Poverty on providing additional funds for energy efficiency from National Infrastructure funds to meet (a) the 2030 fuel energy efficiency target and (b) the interim milestones in England; and if he will publish details of such discussions.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Committee on Fuel Poverty on meeting (a) the 2030 fuel energy efficiency target and (b) the interim milestones in England; and if he will publish details of such discussions.

Jesse Norman: The Committee on Fuel Poverty published its report on initial positions on 23 September 2016. We are considering this report and look forward to discussing their thinking and future work programme over the coming months.

Climate Change

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what financial commitments to support global climate mitigation and adaption the Government plans to make as part of the 2017 UN climate negotiations.

Mr Nick Hurd: In September 2015, it was announced that the UK will provide at least £5.8bn of climate finance in the period 2016-17 to 2020-21. The UK is firmly committed, alongside other developed countries, to jointly mobilise $100bn of public and private finance a year by 2020, in the context of meaningful mitigation and transparency of action. Any further commitments at the 2017 UN climate negotiations, will be made in due course.

Space Technology

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2016 to Question 44431, which businesses related to the space sector his Department has had discussions with since the vote to leave the EU; what the outcome of those discussions has been; and if he will make a statement.

Joseph Johnson: The Government continues to work with businesses in the space sector, through the Space Leadership Council and other forums, to understand the risks and opportunities for the sector in preparation for negotiations to exit the EU.

Overseas Trade

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on the provision of state aid in the event of the UK reverting to World Trade Organisation terms after the UK has left the EU.

Margot James: The Government is building a detailed and comprehensive understanding of how withdrawing from the EU will affect our domestic policies. This will enables us to understand the challenges and seize the opportunities, and ensure a smooth process of exit for the UK, including in relation to the provision of state aid.

Home Loss Payments

Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many times the Secretary of State has exercised his powers to make payments above £15,000 under the House Loss Payments Scheme.

Jesse Norman: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has not exercised his powers to make payments above £15,000 under the House Loss Payments Scheme.

Coal Authority: Legal Opinion

Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much the Coal Authority has spent on external legal advice in each of the last five years.

Jesse Norman: The Coal Authority’s external legal spend over the last five years is broken-down as follows:Oct 2011 - Sep 2012 448,512.24Oct 2012 - Sep 2013 615,208.40Oct 2013 - Sep 2014 418,516.90Oct 2014 - Sep 2015 371,561.44Oct 2015 - Sep 2016 771,867.78

Coal Authority: Staff

Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many people have been employed in the Coal Authority in each of the last five years.

Jesse Norman: Total Coal Authority average headcount for the last five years is broken-down as follows:2016 1832015 1682014 1432013 1362012 139

Energy Companies Obligation

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to his Answer of 25 October 2016 to Question 49170, how many checks Ofgem has carried out to ensure that Energy Company Obligation scheme requirements have been met in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Jesse Norman: Ofgem check all of the information required to be provided by obligated energy companies for compliance against the legislation. This is supported by annual and risk-based audits. Ofgem also require the obligated energy companies to arrange for independent inspections to be conducted on at least 5% of installed measures, per energy company, to verify they have been installed in accordance with the relevant standards and that savings have been correctly calculated. From 1 April 2015 to date, 77,647 inspections have been conducted (41,172 of installation standards and 36,475 of savings) with a pass rate of 93.83%. Quarterly breakdowns of the number of inspections and outcomes are available in Ofgem’s published reports. www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/eco/contacts-guidance-and-resources/eco-public-reports-and-data Ofgem expects measures that failed this monitoring to be remediated and requires this to be reported to them by energy companies following a reinspection. Depending on the failure rate, Ofgem can require additional monitoring and assurances from companies that issues will not be replicated.

Tidal Power: Swansea Bay

Roger Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the value for money case for Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon; and whether that assessment  has been shared with the Hendy Review team.

Jesse Norman: The Department’s assessment as to whether the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon can be considered to be value for money is currently underway. No assessment has been provided to the Hendry Review team.

Fracking

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the potential effect of the Government's fracking strategy on local communities.

Jesse Norman: Both the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy are clear that local communities will have the opportunity to take part in and comment on matters that impact on their local area. Any shale planning application – whether decided by Local Authorities or Government – will continue to require a full consultation with local people.

Trident Submarines: Iron and Steel

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2016 to Question 49056, when he was made aware that French steel was being used to build the Trident successor submarines.

Mr Nick Hurd: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Venezuela: Human Rights

Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Venezuela.

Sir Alan Duncan: The British Government is concerned by the latest developments in Venezuela, in particular the political, economic and security challenges, which are having a serious impact on the human rights of ordinary Venezuelans. I discussed those concerns with Venezuelan Minister for Europe, Samuel Moncada, on 26 October and urged the Venezuela Government to respect the human rights of its citizens.The United Kingdom co-signed a Joint Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 29 September, expressing international community concern over developments in Venezuela. This Joint Statement was supported by 28 other countries. We have played an active role in preparations for Venezuela's upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council, submitting a statement of recommendations and posing questions to the Venezuelan Government regarding their human rights record.Venezuela has been designated a Foreign and Commonwealth Office 'Human Rights Priority Country' for 2016/17. Designation allows us expand our work on human rights and democracy in Venezuela, through bilateral projects supporting political dialogue, women's rights and good governance.

Andargachew Tsege

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department has undertaken a recent assessment of the welfare and treatment of Mr Andargachew Tsege; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: ​When the former Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), visited Ethiopia in June 2016, he stated that he was satisfied that Mr Tsege was not being ill-treated and that he was receiving regular visits from family members in Ethiopia. Our Ambassador to Ethiopia last visited Mr Tsege on 2 August 2016. This was the eleventh consular visit to Mr Tsege. At each visit, we ask Mr Tsege about his treatment in prison and whether he has any welfare issues that he would like to raise. Where we have Mr Tsege's permission to do so, we raise any concerns or issues about his welfare and treatment with the authorities, in line with our standard consular practice. We continue to monitor Mr Tsege's welfare closely and to support him and his family.

Andargachew Tsege

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has been advised by the Ethiopian authorities that Mr Andargachew Tsege has been visited or contacted by family members.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: ​Mr Tsege has received regular visits in prison from his family based in Ethiopia. I understand that Mr Tsege also has had access to a phone to call his family based in the UK.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Mrs Flick Drummond: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the observation and effectiveness of the recent ceasefire in Yemen.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We welcomed the Cessation of Hostilities from 19-22 October. It is critical that all parties to the conflict renew their commitment to a Cessation of Hostilities for the sake of the people of Yemen. All parties must engage constructively with the De-escalation and Coordination Committee so that when incidents of concern are raised they can be addressed effectively to reduce the likelihood of escalation.

Diplomatic Service: Donors

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether UK embassies, high commissions and consulates are required to declare donations they have received in their annual accounts.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes details of all sponsorship contracts awarded by UK embassies, High Commissions and Consulates valued over £5,000 in the FCO Annual Report and Accounts. This information is disclosed in a table in the accounts (Annex A, page 119 ), setting out corporate sponsorship by post and activity, and whether it is cash or benefit-in-kind.With regards to gift donations that are not classified as corporate sponsorship, the FCO maintains a register detailing all gifts received, their estimated value and what happened to them. "Managing Public Money", HM Treasury's official guidance, does not set out a requirement for gift donations to be noted in the accounts unless HM Treasury or the Department concerned considers there is a special need for them to be brought to Parliament's attention.

Namibia: Diplomatic Service

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner to Namibia on the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for parties and drinks events held at the British High Commission in Namibia.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not discussed the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for official events with the British High Commissioner or British Ambassador in any of the named countries.

Malawi: Diplomatic Service

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner to Malawi on the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for parties and drinks events held at the British High Commission in Malawi.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not discussed the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for official events with the British High Commissioner or British Ambassador in any of the named countries.

Ethiopia: Diplomatic Service

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British Ambassador to Ethiopia on the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for parties and drinks events held at the British Embassy in Ethiopia.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not discussed the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for official events with the British High Commissioner or British Ambassador in any of the named countries.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Business: EU Law

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2016 to Answer 48518, which businesses in each sector his Department has consulted on reform after the UK has left the EU and the domestication of EU regulations.

Mr Robin Walker: DExEU Ministers are working closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that we are all speaking to every sector, from small family businesses to multinational companies and trade bodies. Details of Ministerial meetings will be published in the Department’s Quarterly Transparency Returns, which will be made publicly available on GOV.UK.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many apprenticeships have been created in his Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

Mr David Jones: As a new Department, DExEU is not in a position to report on the use of apprenticeships over the last 5 years. Since our creation we have recruited a number of apprentices into the Department and see them as an important means of hiring into the Department.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Financial Services

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what meetings (a) he and (b) Ministers of his Department have had with representatives of the City of London financial sector since his Department was created.

Mr Robin Walker: Ministers and Officials from across the Government are working with a variety of stakeholders from all sectors, including the financial services sector. Details of Ministerial meetings will be published in the Department’s Quarterly Transparency Returns, which will be made publicly available on GOV.UK.

Wales Office

Wales Office: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Guto Bebb: Since 2014, the Wales Office has had five Senior Civil Service posts (one Director and four Deputy Directors). The Department has an office in London and one in Cardiff, and all five posts spend time at both sites.

Department for Education

Free School Meals and Special Educational Needs

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of pupils attending state-funded (a) grammar schools and (b) schools that are not grammar schools (i) are eligible for free schools meals and (ii) have special educational needs.

Nick Gibb: Holding answer received on 15 September 2016



The Government does not collect data on pupils who have social educational needs. The number and proportion of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals are set out below. Eligible for and claiming FSMState-funded grammars2.5% (4,237 of 166,517 pupils)Non-selective state-funded secondary schools13.8% (416,279 of 3,026,901 pupils)Source: January 2016 school census return. The data includes all pupils on roll, including those over 16. The consultation document Schools that work for Everyone proposes that we should seek to identify and support those families which are ‘just managing’; those on modest incomes who might not be in receipt of benefits but nevertheless are just about managing. The document also proposes that we should place conditions on new selective schools so that they attract more pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that they should work with non-selective schools to raise standards for all pupils.

Extracurricular Activities: Offenders

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 15 September 2016 to Question 45985 on extracurricular activities: offenders, what measures are in place to protect children when such classes are provided (a) privately and (b) on private property.

Edward Timpson: Any measures to protect children where they are attending privately run classes, including those provided on private property, rest entirely with parents. It is a matter of parental choice to allow their children to attend and to make a considered decision about the suitability of the individuals running the class.

GCSE

Mr Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which (a) selective, (b) partially selective and (c) comprehensive local authority areas in England ranked by correlating guaranteed per pupil against the proportion of pupils attaining five or more grade A* to C GCSEs including English and mathematics in core subjects in the last year for which data is available.

Nick Gibb: The percentage of pupils achieving 5 A* - C grade GCSEs including English and mathematics for areas with different selection policies is listed in the table below. These figures relate to 2014/2015 final data.  GCSE and equivalents Pupils at state funded schools at the end of key stage 4 2014/2015Proportion of pupils achieving 5A*-C grade GCSEs including English and MathsFully selective areas147,25860.6Partially selective areas2124,96258.4Non-selective areas378,53456.6Source: Key Stage 4 attainment data: finalNotes:1. Includes schools in the following areas which operate area wide arrangements for academic selection: Bexley, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Medway, Slough, Southend, Sutton, Torbay and Trafford.2. Includes schools in twenty-six local authorities that have selective schools operating their own arrangements for academic selection.

Grammar Schools

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what research her Department has commissioned on the effect of selective education on the educational attainment of children in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent research her Department has commissioned on the effect of academic selection at age 11 on the educational attainment of children from the poorest backgrounds; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what advice her Department has received from experts on the reintroduction of grammar schools in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department has reviewed a wide range of external research and evidence on the impact of academic selection, including research on the impact of selection on the educational attainment of disadvantaged pupils.The evidence shows that grammar schools provide a good education for those who attend them. Grammar school pupils outperform those of similar ability in comprehensive schools and they also make more progress than other pupils with similar primary school results. Nearly 78 per cent of high ability pupils achieve the English Baccalaureate at grammar school, compared to just over 52 per cent at comprehensive schools, and the attainment gap for disadvantaged students in grammar schools is practically eliminatedThis evidence is based on the existing system of grammar schools. We are proposing significant changes to the requirements placed on selective schools to ensure that they raise standards for all pupils as part of a diverse schools system.Our proposals will help deliver a school system that works for all children and offers parents genuine choice by increasing the number of good and outstanding school places.

Schools: Debts

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of schools are currently in debt; and to whom such schools are in debt.

Nick Gibb: The financial reporting requirements of academy trusts and maintained schools differ and therefore are not directly comparable. In the 2014/15 academic year, 113 academy trusts reported a cumulative revenue deficit in the August Accounts Return. This represents 4% of trusts submitting a return. At the end of the 2014-15 financial year, local authorities reported 944 LA-maintained schools with a deficit revenue balance. This represents 5.3% of such schools. Further information on the financial position of these schools can be found in the financial statements of the academy trusts or for maintained schools the Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) returns.

Schools: Finance

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the current sources of financial pressure on schools; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Government has protected funding for schools in real terms, so that it will rise as pupil numbers increase. However, like other public services, schools will face additional pressures in the next few years. The sources of these additional pressures are:Annual salary increases for staffThe introduction of the national living wage from April 2016The increase to employer national insurance contributions from April 2016, affecting all employers who offer a defined benefit pension schemeThe increase to employer pension contributions for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme from September 2015The introduction of the apprenticeship levy in April 2017, which will affect all employers with a paybill above £3 millionGeneral inflation Working with the sector, the Department has published a collection of tools and guidance to help school leaders, governing boards and business management professionals to improve their schools’ financial health and use their budgets more effectively. This can be found at: http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/schools-financial-health-and-efficiency

Social Services: Children

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which local authorities' children's social work services have been rated inadequate; and if she will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what criteria are used to require local authorities to contract out the statutory children's social work services; and if she will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: The following local authorities are currently rated as ‘inadequate’ under Ofsted’s Single Inspection Framework: Birmingham, Bromley, Buckinghamshire, Coventry, Cumbria, Darlington, Doncaster, Dudley, Knowsley, Lambeth, Lancashire, Leicester City, Manchester, Norfolk, Reading, Rotherham, Sandwell, Slough, Somerset, Sunderland, Surrey, Torbay, Wandsworth, West Berkshire and Wirral.The Government does not use set criteria to require local authorities to contract out their statutory children’s social care services. The Department for Education has statutory powers to intervene in local authority children’s services under section 497A of the Education Act 1996. This legislation allows the Department to remove day-to-day operational control of children’s services from the local authority, for a period of time, if the Secretary of State believes that the local authority is failing to secure its relevant statutory functions by delivering children’s services to the required standard. As a matter of policy, the Government has decided that any authority rated by Ofsted as ‘inadequate’ across all the key judgements in any one Ofsted inspection is deemed to be failing ‘systemically’, and any authority that is rated inadequate twice overall in any five year period is deemed to be failing persistently. In these circumstances the Secretary of State appoints a children’s services commissioner to review services and then provide advice to the Secretary of State on whether they should remain in local authority control. Once the Secretary of State has received the commissioner’s advice, she will decide whether to direct the authority to enter into a contract with a third party – for instance a Children’s Services Trust – to deliver those services on its behalf.

Pupils: Mental Health

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to address mental health issues in children potentially caused by pressure at school.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will review the effect of SATs in primary schools on children's mental health.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to hold discussions with parents on the effect on children's mental health of primary school SATs.

Edward Timpson: Good mental health and resilience are a priority for the Department. We have high aspirations for all children and want them to be able to fulfil their potential, both academically and in terms of their mental wellbeing. Good schools manage tests appropriately, and there is a lot that teachers can do to help prepare pupils to take tests and exams, and to help parents support their children. Good school leaders know that positive mental wellbeing, as part of a ‘whole-school’ ethos, along with good teaching, supports pupil attainment. The Government considers the impact of primary testing on all children as a matter of course, and we listen to the views of parents on an ongoing basis. Tests are an established and valuable part of a child’s education. Tests in primary school are not examinations and should not put pressure on pupils. They are about helping teachers to identify where additional support is needed and ensuring that schools are accountable for the education that they provide. We trust primary school teachers to use their experience and professional expertise to administer assessments in a way that does not put undue pressure on pupils. Schools should encourage all pupils to work hard and achieve well, but we do not recommend that they devote excessive preparation time to assessment, and certainly not at the expense of pupils’ wellbeing. We know that recent reforms to primary assessment have represented a significant change for schools and these will need time to embed. We are committed to listening to teachers and parents to ensure primary assessment arrangements are proportionate as well as robust. To support schools to understand signs of stress and mental ill-health and to provide support to their pupils, the Government has funded MindEd to develop a free, on-line resource for all professionals, including teaching staff, working with children and young people to access information about mental health issues. We also funded the PSHE Association to produce guidance and age-appropriate lesson plans on teaching about mental health in PSHE. In addition we have published guidance on behaviour and mental health, which sets out how schools can identify problems and seek support, as well as a blueprint for effective school-based counselling to help schools provide access to support. However, teachers are not mental health specialists and need to know how to help pupils access specialist support. We contributed to a £3 million joint pilot between schools and children and young people’s mental health services to improve local knowledge and develop effective referrals to allow pupils to access timely specialist support where needed.

Special Educational Needs

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of the policy in Schools that work for everyone, published on 12 September 2016, with the (a) UK's general obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Article 24 to promote disabled pupils' right to mainstream education, (b) Government's Interpretative Declaration commitment to build the capacity of mainstream schools to be inclusive of disabled pupils and (c) General Comment No.4 on Article 24, published on 2 September 2016.

Nick Gibb: As part of its commitments under articles 7 and 24 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UK Government is committed to inclusive education of disabled children and young people and the progressive removal of barriers to education and participation in mainstream education. The Children and Families Act 2014 secures the general presumption in law of mainstream education in relation to decisions about where children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should be educated and the Equality Act 2010 provides protection from discrimination for disabled people.The Department is having, and will continue to have, due regard to equalities impact, both in the study of responses to the consultation document and throughout any development of policy areas, following the consultation.In our new proposals, we have been clear that we expect selective schools to support non-selective schools, looking to them to be engines of academic and social achievement for all pupils.

Special Educational Needs

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what provision her Department has put in place for SEND pupils who will not be able to pass selective school admission policies.

Nick Gibb: This Government is committed to ensuring all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND), have the opportunity to achieve their potential and make a successful transition to adult life.In the Children and Families Act 2014, we legislated to make fundamental changes to improve the SEND support system for the benefit of the 14.4% of children with SEND. These are the biggest reforms to the SEND system in a generation. To support local authorities and others to make these changes successfully, we have invested heavily in practical and financial support, including an extra £90 million of support for 2016/17.Following Sir Andrew Carter’s report on Initial Teacher Training (ITT), the Government published a new framework of core content in July 2016. This includes specific content on SEND, so that teachers have a clear understanding and early awareness of pupils with SEND. This will help to ensure that pupils with SEND have the opportunity to fully realise their potential.

Free School Meals: Females

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of girls were (a) White British, (b) White British eligible for free school meals, (c) White Non-British, (d) White Non-British eligible for free school meals, (e) Black, (f) Black eligible for free school meals, (g) Indian, (h) Indian eligible for free school meals, (i) Chinese ethnicity, (j) Chinese ethnicity eligible for free school meals, (k) other Asian, (l) other Asian eligible for free school meals, (m) any other ethnicity and (n) any other ethnicity eligible for free school meals received a place in a grammar school in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: Proportion of Year 7 pupils in Selective schools by selected ethnic groups, gender & FSM eligibility  Girls20122013201420152016White British3.80%3.80%4.10%4.00%3.90%White British - Eligible for FSM0.60%0.60%0.60%0.70%0.70%White non-British3.40%3.30%3.50%3.40%3.40%White non-British - Eligible for FSM0.20%0.60%0.60%0.60%1.30%Black2.70%3.20%3.60%3.30%3.90%Black - Eligible for FSM0.40%0.50%0.80%0.50%0.90%Indian12.20%12.90%13.90%15.80%15.80%Indian - Eligible for FSM2.00%1.80%1.90%2.50%2.40%Chinese20.00%18.10%19.70%18.20%18.00%Chinese - Eligible for FSM11.50%5.40%9.70%12.50%4.40%Other Asian5.10%5.60%5.40%5.80%5.60%Other Asian - Eligible for FSM1.40%0.90%1.30%1.30%1.30%

Free School Meals: Males

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of boys were (a) White British, (b) White British eligible for free school meals, (c) White Non-British, (d) White Non-British eligible for free school meals, (e) Black, (f) Black eligible for free school meals, (g) Indian, (h) Indian eligible for free school meals, (i) Chinese ethnicity, (j) Chinese ethnicity eligible for free school meals, (k) other Asian, (l) other Asian eligible for free school meals, (m) any other ethnicity and (n) any other ethnicity eligible for free school meals received a place in a grammar school in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: Proportion of Year 7 pupils in Selective schools by selected ethnic groups, gender & FSM eligibility Boys20122013201420152016White British3.6%3.6%3.8%3.7%3.7%White British - Eligible for FSM0.6%0.5%0.5%0.6%0.6%White non-British2.9%2.8%3.3%3.0%3.1%White non-British - Eligible for FSM0.3%0.4%0.3%0.5%0.5%Black2.3%2.7%2.9%2.9%3.3%Black - Eligible for FSM0.3%0.4%0.4%0.5%0.7%Indian13.0%12.9%14.0%15.2%15.5%Indian - Eligible for FSM3.0%2.5%2.4%3.5%3.2%Chinese18.9%20.5%22.4%17.9%18.5%Chinese - Eligible for FSM9.0%12.0%14.3%5.8%6.0%Other Asian5.9%5.7%6.3%6.0%6.4%Other Asian - Eligible for FSM1.9%1.2%1.5%1.5%1.8%

Free School Meals

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of children were (a) White British, (b) White British eligible for free school meals, (c) White Non-British, (d) White Non-British eligible for free school meals, (e) Black, (f) Black eligible for free school meals, (g) Indian, (h) Indian eligible for free school meals, (i) Chinese ethnicity, (j) Chinese ethnicity eligible for free school meals, (k) other Asian, (l) other Asia eligible for free school meals, (m) any other ethnicity and (n) any other ethnicity eligible for free school meals received a place in a grammar school in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: Proportion of Year 7 pupils in Selective schools by selected ethnic groups, gender & FSM eligibility All pupils20122013201420152016White British3.7%3.7%3.9%3.9%3.8%White British - Eligible for FSM0.6%0.5%0.6%0.6%0.7%White non-British3.1%3.1%3.4%3.2%3.3%White non-British - Eligible for FSM0.2%0.5%0.5%0.5%0.9%Black2.5%2.9%3.2%3.1%3.6%Black - Eligible for FSM0.3%0.4%0.6%0.5%0.8%Indian12.6%12.9%14.0%15.5%15.7%Indian - Eligible for FSM2.5%2.1%2.2%3.0%2.8%Chinese19.4%19.3%21.0%18.0%18.2%Chinese - Eligible for FSM10.2%9.0%12.0%8.8%5.2%Other Asian5.5%5.6%5.9%5.9%6.0%Other Asian - Eligible for FSM1.6%1.1%1.4%1.4%1.5%

Minimum Wage: Day Care

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to mitigate the effect of planned increases to the national minimum wage on the ability of childcare providers to recruit staff.

Caroline Dinenage: We are investing £1 billion more per year in the early years to fund our commitments on the entitlements. This includes £300 million per year from 2017-18 for a significant increase to the rate paid for the two, three and four year old entitlements. To inform the size of the funding rates increase, the government conducted a six-month long review of the cost of providing childcare and published its findings in November 2015. It looked at both the current costs of provision and the implications of future cost pressures facing the sector, including the introduction of the National Living Wage. We have committed to developing a workforce strategy to help employers attract, retain and develop staff to deliver high quality provision.

Children: Day Care

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent representations she has received from childcare providers on funding concerns relating to the Government's commitment to offer three and four-year-olds 30 free hours of childcare.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government published the consultation ‘Early years funding: changes to funding for 3- and 4-year-olds’ on 11 August 2016 (https://consult.education.gov.uk/early-years-funding/eynff/consult_view). The consultation has now closed and we have received 3,121 responses. Of these, 64% identified themselves as childcare providers or practitioners and 22% as representing the maintained sector. The Government’s response to the consultation is planned for later this autumn.

Pre-school Education: Greater London

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will publish the proposed changes to the (a) funding of each local authority in London and (b) hourly rate that providers will receive in 2017-18 after the introduction of the Early Years National Funding Formula.

Caroline Dinenage: We published our proposals for an Early Years National Funding Formula in August, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/early-years-funding-changes-to-funding-for-3-and-4-year-oldsAlongside the consultation document, we published a detailed table of indicative funding allocations based on the implementation of our proposals. These included:Indicative EYNFF funding rates for local authorities in 2017-18The 2016-17 baseline funding rates against which the EYNFF rates can be comparedIllustrative average provider funding rates in 2017-18. When we respond to the consultation, we will publish final 2017-18 funding rates for local authorities alongside their baseline funding rates. It will then be for local authorities to set, in consultation with their providers, the actual funding rates that providers will receive in 2017-18.

Education: Assessments

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the average five A* to C percentage pass rate for (a) low, (b) middle and (c) high attainers was in (i) selective, (ii) partially selective and (iii) comprehensive local education authority areas in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Nick Gibb: The most recent published figures for the five A* to C (including English and maths) measure, including breakdowns by prior attainment, were published in January 2016 in the 2015 revised Statistical First Release for GCSE and equivalent results.[1]A new secondary school accountability system has been implemented from 2016, and five A* to C (including English and maths) is no longer a headline measure. Provisional data for the suite of new secondary headline measures was published in October 2016 and the breakdown for one of the measures, Attainment 8, is available in the 2016 Statistical First Release for GCSE and equivalent results.[2]The Department does not publish the data requested broken down by Local Authority selection policy. Breakdowns are available at national level by school admissions basis, including categories for selective and comprehensive schools. [1] Table 6b of the Main National Tables of SFR01/2016, available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/revised-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-2014-to-2015[2] Table 4b of The National Tables of SFR48/2016, available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/gcse-and-equivalent-results-2015-to-2016-provisional

Comprehensive Schools

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the efficacy of grammar stream programmes in comprehensive schools.

Nick Gibb: The Government is committed to enabling all children to fulfil their potential by delivering a school system that works for everyone.The Department has not commissioned any recent research to look at the specific benefits or effects of streaming by ability in comprehensive schools. However, we do know that the vast majority of schools choose to stream by ability over the core subjects.There are indications that this approach benefits higher-ability pupils. For example, the Educational Endowment Foundation (EEF) evidence review[1] found that on average studies showed that higher attaining pupils make one to two additional months' progress when set or streamed compared to when taught in mixed ability groups. The EEF found that high attaining pupils benefit from different kinds of grouping, including pull-out classes, accelerated classes and moving up a year. [1] https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/setting-or-streaming/

GCSE: Disadvantaged

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of free school meal students in (a) selective and (b) non-selective schools achieved five A* to C grades at GCSE in each of the last three years.

Nick Gibb: The Department’s main measures of secondary school performance are now Progress 8, Attainment 8, Ebacc achievement and entry and pupils achieving a Good Pass in mathematics and English. Progress 8 will be used to identify schools beneath the floor. The latest statistics are available in the ‘GCSE and equivalent results: 2015 to 2016 (provisional) in England’ National Statistics release[1], although breakdowns by pupil characteristics including free school meals is not available until January 2017.The table below provides the information that you require for the last three years available. Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for FSM achieving 5+ A*-C grade GCSEs 2012/132013/14[2]2014/15[3]Selective schools97.396.396.7Non-selective schools72.543.343.7All state-funded mainstream schools72.743.744.1[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/gcse-and-equivalent-results-2015-to-2016-provisional[2] In 2013/14, two major reforms were implemented which affect the calculation of key stage 4 performance measures data: 1) Professor Alison Wolf’s Review of Vocational Education recommendations which: restrict the qualifications counted; prevent any qualification from counting as larger than one GCSE; and cap the number of non-GCSEs included in performance measures at two per pupil, and 2) an early entry policy to only count a pupil’s first attempt at a qualification, in subjects counted in the English Baccalaureate. Consequently, the numbers supplied prior to 2013/14 are not comparable with those from 2013/14 onwards.[3] In 2014/15, early entry policy, under which only a pupil’s first attempt at a qualification is counted in performance measures, was extended to all subjects.

Higher Education: Disadvantaged

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of white working class boys progressed from (a) selective and (b) non-selective schools to higher education institutions in the last three years.

Nick Gibb: Information on pupils’ socio-economic status or whether they would be identified as working class is not collected by Department for Education. Information is instead provided for white male students who had been eligible for free school meals in year 11. This is a commonly used indicator of economic deprivation.Students that have completed key stage 5 study (A level and other level 3 qualifications) at the 163 fully selective schools are compared with those completing key stage 5 at all other state-funded mainstream schools . Students in sixth form and other further education colleges are not included in this analysis. It should be noted that a small number of ‘comprehensive’ schools use an element of selection in their admissions at the secondary phase, and that many schools may set eligibility criteria for admissions post-16 or for entry to particular courses at key stage 5.The number and percentage of such students from each school type progressing to study at a UK Higher Education Institution for at least two terms the following year is given.The table below shows figures for 2012/13 to 2014/15, the last three years for which information is available, for a) selective schools and b) non-selective schools. Numbers of pupils are shown rounded to the nearest ten, in line with how published information was shown in these years. Percentages are calculated on unrounded figures.Comparable information on pupil destinations for other groups is published annually on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-destinationsWhite male students eligible for free school mealsNumber of students completing KS5 (rounded to nearest 10)Number at UK Higher Education Institution (rounded to nearest 10)% at UK Higher Education Institution (calculated on unrounded figures)SelectiveNon-SelectiveSelectiveNon-SelectiveSelectiveNon-Selective2014/15 (2013/14 KS5 cohort)2806,0702003,26070%54%2013/14 (2012/13 KS5 cohort)2805,6002002,99073%53%2012/13 (2011/12 KS5 cohort)2705,1101802,68066%52%

Children: Poverty

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of early years intervention on the educational effect of child poverty.

Caroline Dinenage: Tackling poverty and disadvantage, and delivering real social reform, is a priority for this Government. This Government is committed to ensuring that all children are able to fulfil their potential. There is a strong evidence base from the UK and around the world that shows high-quality early education has long lasting benefits for children. Analysis of the evidence from Effective Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education Project has shown that pre-school is of particular importance to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also know that attending high-quality pre-school from age two has a positive impact on cognitive attainment. The Department has commissioned a major piece of longitudinal research– the Study of Early Education and Development – to understand more about how high-quality early education affects attainment and social and behavioural development up to age seven. Findings are forthcoming and will be published and available at: http://www.seed.natcen.ac.uk/reports.aspx

Schools: Standards

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what comparative assessment she has made of the pre-16 and post-16 attainment of pupils attending (a) high performing non-selective and (b) grammar schools; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department produces data on the performance of both pre-16 and post-16 schools by their admissions arrangements at year 7. Pre-16 performance information is published in the “GCSE and equivalent results: 2015 to 2016 (provisional)”[1], statistical first release (SFR). Post-16 performance information is published in the “A level and other 16 to 18 results: 2015 to 2016 (provisional)”[2] SFR.  [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/gcse-and-equivalent-results-2015-to-2016-provisional (Table 6b)[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/a-level-and-other-level-3-results-2015-to-2016-provisional (Table 1b)

Grammar Schools: Disadvantaged

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children in receipt of free school meals dropped out of grammar schools in each selective and partially-selective education authority area in the most recent year for which data is available.

Nick Gibb: The information required to answer this question is not held and compiling it would be a very complex task which would incur disproportionate cost.

Grammar Schools: Disadvantaged

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of children in receipt of free school meals (a) sat and (b) passed the 11-plus exam in each fully and partially-selective local education authority area in the most recent year for which data is available.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education does not collect data on whether those pupils sitting the entrance exam for a selective school are eligible for free school meals; neither are local authorities required to provide this information to the Department.

Universities: Admissions

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of boys from white working class backgrounds from (a) selective, (b) non-selective and (c) state boarding schools have gone on to study at Russell Group universities in each of the last three years.

Nick Gibb: Information on pupils’ socio-economic status or whether they would be identified as working class is not collected by Department for Education. Information is instead provided for white male students who had been eligible for free school meals in year 11. This is a commonly used indicator of economic deprivation. Students who have completed key stage 5 study (A level and other level 3 qualifications) at the 163 fully selective schools are compared with those completing key stage 5 at all other state-funded mainstream schools. Students in sixth form and other further education colleges are not included in this analysis. It should be noted that a small number of ‘comprehensive’ schools use an element of selection in their admissions at the secondary phase, and that many schools may set eligibility criteria for admissions post-16 or for entry to particular courses at key stage 5. Equivalent figures for students in state-funded mainstream boarding schools are given. These schools are also contained in the selective or non-selective lines. The number and percentage of such students from each school type progressing to study at one of the 24 universities in the Russell Group for at least two terms the following year is given. The table below shows figures for 2012/13 to 2014/15, the last three years for which information is available, for a) selective schools b) non-selective schools and c) state-funded mainstream boarding schools. Numbers of pupils are shown rounded to the nearest ten, in line with how published information was shown in these years. Percentages are calculated on unrounded figures. Comparable information on pupil destinations for other groups is published annually on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-destinationsWhite male students who were eligible for free school meals in year 11 2012/13 (2011/12 KS5 cohort)2013/14 (2012/13 KS5 cohort)2014/15 (2013/14 KS5 cohort)Number of students completing KS5 (rounded to nearest 10)Selective270280280Non-Selective5,1105,6006,070Of which: state-funded boarding schools405050Number attending Russell Group Institution (rounded to nearest 10)Selective609090Non-Selective370450500State-funded boarding schools 1010% attending Russell Group Institution (calculated on unrounded figures)Selective24%33%30%Non-Selective7%8%8%Of which: state-funded boarding schools11%20%12%

Further Education

Mr Khalid Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the role of independent training providers in post-16 years' education.

Robert Halfon: Independent providers deliver a wide range of post-16 education, including apprenticeship training, and the Government expects that to continue.

Grammar Schools: Admissions

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many grammar schools have sought to end selective admissions under sections 104 to 109 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

Nick Gibb: The Department does not routinely collect data on significant changes to schools but we are not aware of any grammar schools that have sought to remove selection under the provisions mentioned.

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to raise the attainment level of pupils from low-income families at primary school.

Edward Timpson: The Government is committed to making this a country where everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and hard work will allow. Our protection of the pupil premium at its current rates for the duration of this Parliament is providing £2.5 billion of additional funding this year alone to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. The importance of primary education is recognised by the higher rate that primary schools receive; £1,320 for each pupil eligible on the basis of family income. We are supporting schools to make effective use of this funding through the work of the Education Endowment Foundation. This work includes an important focus on primary schools; for example through the North East Primary Literacy Campaign, which aims to support every primary school in the region. The latest figures show real progress. Under the Department’s gap index measure the difference in attainment between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has decreased by 7.1 per cent at key stage 2 since 2011, the year the pupil premium was introduced.

Children: Day Care

David Warburton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support her Department is giving to rural nurseries to ensure they are able to meet the Government's commitment of providing 30 free hours of childcare.

Caroline Dinenage: We have recently consulted on a comprehensive set of reforms to the early years funding system, and one of our proposals is to allow local authorities to use a rurality/sparsity supplement in their local funding formulae, in recognition that there may be unavoidable higher costs to providers operating in sparsely populated, rural areas with limited demand. We are currently considering all responses to the consultation and are planning to publish the government’s response in the autumn. We are also keen to gather learning and test how the extended entitlement will operate in a range of area types, including rural areas. Through Early Implementation of the 30 Hours Free Childcare entitlement, Northumberland, one of our early implementer local authorities, is looking specifically at how the extended hours work for and impact on providers operating within the most rural postcodes in Northumberland. Since September, over 500 children in rural parts of Northumberland have been benefiting from a 30 hours free childcare place a year early.

Protected Characteristics

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy that executive agencies collect data on funding allocated to people who have protected characteristics as listed in the Equality Act 2010.

Caroline Dinenage: The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) is a key lever for ensuring that public bodies, including executive agencies, already consider the potential impact of their decisions, including decisions about funding allocation, on people who share different protected characteristics. The PSED requires public bodies, and those carrying out public functions, to have due regard to the need to: eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010;advance equality of opportunity, and;foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not. Public bodies must be able to show how equality issues have been considered when they develop, implement, evaluate and review policies, services and processes.

Grammar Schools

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what evidence her Department holds on the merits of grammar schools for social mobility.

Nick Gibb: Grammar schools’ stretching education levels the playing field between disadvantaged students and their more advantaged peers. For example, one study[1] found that in areas where at least 10 per cent of places are selective, pupils eligible for free school meals in grammar schools gain around 7 to 8 GCSE grades more than they would have achieved if they had not gone to a selective school. Across all pupils in grammar schools the average gain was 3.5 grades. Furthermore, disadvantaged pupils who attended grammar schools are more than three times as likely to go to Russell Group universities after finishing sixth form than those who attend comprehensive schools[2]. It is important to remember, however, the evidence we have is based on the existing selective school system, not the model we are proposing for the future system. We recognise that selective schools currently admit too few disadvantaged pupils and we want to look at how we can improve this. We are consulting on options for a new schools system, which will also make sure selective schools support non-selective education in their area to further support increased social mobility.[1] Atkinson, Gregg and McConnell (2004) The results of 11 Plus selection: an investigation into equity and efficiency of outcomes for pupils in selective LEAs, by Bristol University.[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/destinations-of-ks4-and-ks5-pupils-2015-provisional

Pre-school Education: Standards

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what evidence her Department has gathered on the effect of good quality pre-school education on social mobility in the last five years.

Caroline Dinenage: The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards for the provision of learning, development and care for children from birth to age five, supporting early years providers to prepare young children for school and improve their life chances by delivering high-quality early education.The latest EYFS Profile results show that the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers has narrowed – 51% of children eligible for free school meals (FSM) achieved a good level of development (GLD) in 2015, compared to 45% in 2014. This is the equivalent of an extra 5,800 children eligible for FSM achieving a GLD. The results for 2015-16 are due to be published in November this year at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-early-years-foundation-stage-profileWe want all children, regardless of their starting point, to have access to high-quality early education and childcare, as we know this is what makes the difference to outcomes. To help close the gap between disadvantaged children and their better-off peers we introduced the early learning programme for two-year-olds in September 2013. Around 160,000 of the most disadvantaged two-year-olds are already benefiting. We have also introduced the Early Years Pupil Premium, worth £50 million a year, which helps providers close the gap in school readiness between disadvantaged children and their peers.Research shows high-quality early education has long lasting benefits for children. Analysis of the evidence from the Effective Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education Project has shown that pre-school is of particular importance to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Department has commissioned a major piece of longitudinal research – the Study of Early Education and Development – to understand more about how high-quality early education affects attainment and social and behavioural development up to age seven. Findings are forthcoming and will be published at: http://www.seed.natcen.ac.uk/reports.aspx

Schools: Calderdale

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much capital funding for (a) basic needs and (b) school maintenance has been provided from the public purse to Calderdale Council in each year since 2010.

Nick Gibb: We are investing £23 billion over the Spending Review period to open a further 500 free schools, support the provision of over 600,000 additional school places, rebuild and refurbish over 500 schools and address essential school maintenance needs. Calderdale received £10.8 million between 2011 and 2016, and allocated a further £15.7 million for 2016 to 2019. Basic need allocations are published here: https://www.gov.uk/​government/publications/basic-need-allocations In addition, Calderdale has been allocated condition funding of £15.8 million, and a further £3.7 million in Devolved Formula Capital, between 2011 and 2017. This capital funding is targeted at its maintained schools, and does not include capital funding for academies in the area, which is not channelled through the local authority. Condition allocations and devolved formula capital are published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital-allocations

Pre-school Education: Finance

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answers of 8 September 2016 to Questions 44446 and 44447, what steps she plans to take to ensure that specific language and communication, including sign language, guidelines are in place to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing pre-school children benefit from the financial investment and the early years workforce strategy referred to in those Answers.

Caroline Dinenage: As part of our recent consultation on early years funding, the government is proposing to introduce a new targeted Disability Access Fund, which will support early years providers to make initial reasonable adjustments and build the capacity of their settings to support disabled children. The government is also proposing that all local authorities should set up an early years SEN inclusion fund. Such a structure will help settings and local authorities to work together to identify children with SEN in the early years, and to ensure that the appropriate support is in place to best support child development. We are currently considering responses to the consultation and are planning to publish the government’s response in the autumn. The workforce strategy will set out how government will support early years staff to access training that equips them with the knowledge and skills to support the development of all children including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This will build on the work of the SEND champions programme which is funded through government and delivered by the National Day Nurseries Association. The programme identifies and trains SEND specialists to support other staff to provide appropriate learning opportunities for children with SEND.

Faith Schools: Admissions

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to paragraph 10 of her Department's consultation, Schools that work for everyone, whether the suggestion that the 50 per cent cap on faith-based schools admissions does not achieve inclusivity defines inclusivity by (a) income background and (b) ethnic background.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department’s decision to remove the 50% cap on faith admissions and replace it with a series of safeguards to ensure new faith free schools are inclusive is based on a broad range of evidence on the impact of the cap. This includes the data set out in the consultation document. In developing these safeguards we will also consider evidence produced via the consultation.

Art History: GCE A-level and GCE AS-level

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the non-availability of History of Art AS and A Levels on disadvantaged young people with an interest in art who wish to pursue that course of study at university.

Nick Gibb: We are disappointed that AQA has taken the decision to withdraw from offering History of Art A and AS level. Students may choose to study alternative art history qualifications which are accepted by universities and count in the Department’s performance tables.The option for AQA or another exam board to develop an A or AS level specification in future will remain open. We are in discussion with other exam boards on this issue. History of Art A level is not a pre-requisite for degree level study and it is taken by a relatively small number of students. In 2016, there were 776 entries to History of Art A level of which 57[1] were from state funded schools and colleges. [1] Covers examination results of students aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of the academic year, i.e. 31 August.

Art History: GCE A-level and GCE AS-level

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students in (a) London and (b) England and Wales studied History of Art at AS and A levels at state schools in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013, (v) 2014, (vi) 2015 and (vii) 2016.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education produces statistics on England only. The responsibility for education statistics in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales lies with each devolved administration.Information on the number of entries in history of art at A level and AS levels in England and London at state-funded schools for 2009/10 to 2015/16 (provisional) is provided in the table below.Provisional 2016 national figures show that there were 57 entries to A level history of art from state-funded schools. For AS level history of art there were 88 entries from state funded schools. State funded schoolsNumber of entries in history of art A level[1]Number of entries in history of art AS levelYearLondon regionNational (all pupils)London regionNational (all pupils)2009/102683421042010/113287702202011/1244123511302012/132059721522013/143774441052014/152563651322015/16[2]32574788 [1] Covers examination results of students aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of the academic year, i.e. 31 August.[2] Figures for 2015/16 are provisional; figures for all other years are final.

Department for Education: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in her Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Caroline Dinenage: The management information held by the department is based upon grade rather than role. Of the categories listed, only “deputy director” refers to a senior civil service grade, the others describe types of roles and do not relate to a specific grade. The number and proportion of the department’s deputy directors since 2014 are:March 2014: 32/101 outside London (32%)March 2015: 30/97 outside London (31%)March 2016: 29/103 outside London (28%)

Children: Day Care

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent evaluation she has made of the capacity of childcare providers to provide 30 hours of free childcare from the eight pilot schemes that are piloting the new childcare entitlement; and if she will make a statement.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will outline the methodology for evaluating the eight pilot schemes that are assessing the capacity of childcare providers to operate under new early years' funding rates.

Caroline Dinenage: As promised, in September 2016, the Government launched 30 hours free childcare through eight Early Implementers one year in advance of full implementation of the offer from September 2017. Up to 5,000 working families will benefit in our eight Early Implementers areas. The Early Implementers are testing the delivery of the 30 hours free childcare offer, and providing valuable learning by developing a number of approaches. This includes supporting the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and developing flexible models to meet the needs of working parents. In York, where there are no limits on the number of families who can benefit, around 83% of eligible families are already receiving 30 hours free childcare, just 6 weeks after the launch ‎of early implementation. The department has commissioned an independent evaluation of early implementation of the 30 hours free childcare offer. The evaluation is focusing on generating learning that can be used by Early Implementers and all local authorities ahead of national rollout in September 2017. There will be a national findings event in the spring next year, and a formal evaluation report will be published in July 2017.

Department for Education: Staff

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many staff in her Department are engaged in measuring the effect of the new entitlement for free early years education and childcare.

Caroline Dinenage: As full implementation of the new entitlement to 30 hours of free childcare for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds does not begin until September 2017, the department is not currently engaged in measuring the effect. The department is developing plans to measure the success of the new entitlement once it is in ‘steady state’ following the full rollout of the scheme.

Children: Day Care

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will publish the data that it is using to measure the effect of the free childcare entitlement on disadvantaged children.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department annually publishes data on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) assessment which measures a child’s development at age 5. The recently published 2015/16 results show that the proportion of all children achieving a ‘good level of development’ is improving year on year – in 2016 69.3% achieved a good level of development compared to 66.3% in 2015 and 60.4% in 2014. The Department will publish further data tables on the EYFSP results by children’s characteristics, including for those children with free school meal eligibility, on 24 November 2016. Last year’s results showed that the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers had narrowed – 51% of children eligible for free school meals achieved a ‘good level of development’ in 2015 compared to 45% in 2014.

Pre-school Education: Staff

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to increase the number of qualified early years staff in preparation for the proposed changes to entitlement to free childcare places.

Caroline Dinenage: The government has prioritised supporting the early years workforce to increase in size, and grow in quality. In 2014 we introduced the Early Years Educator level 3 qualification. The most recent Childcare and Early Years Provider Survey from 2013 showed that 87% of staff in full day care settings are now qualified to at least level 3. This is an increase from 75% in 2008. In 2013 we introduced the early years initial teacher training programme which leads to the award of Early Years Teacher Status. We have made a significant investment in this programme by providing funding for course fees and bursaries to eligible trainees, and also funding for employers to support trainees. The number of graduates in the workforce continues to rise, and between 2008 and 2013 the proportion of full day care staff with a degree or higher increased from 5% to 13%. The forthcoming workforce strategy will set out the Government’s plans to remove barriers to attracting, retaining and developing staff in the early years.

Teachers: North West

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many teachers who signed up to take part in the National Teaching Service pilot in the North West beginning in January 2017 have subsequently withdrawn from that pilot.

Nick Gibb: The pilot has not concluded as matching of National Teaching Service teachers with schools in the pilot area is an ongoing process. Once that process concludes I will write to the Hon. Member with details of the number of withdrawals from the pilot.

Children and Young People: Grants

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what grants her Department has made to (a) children and young people's charities and (b) children and young people's organisations in each year since 2010.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department for Education does not record if grant recipients are children’s and young people’s charities and organisations and therefore cannot respond to the specifics of your question. I am able to provide a list of the Voluntary and Community Sector organisations that were funded by the Department for the 2015-16 financial year under the Children’s Services National Prospectus. Details of all of the grants are available in this press notice: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/25-million-injection-to-help-life-changing-childrens-services All Government Departments publish information on the Government Grants Register, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-grants-register If you have particular organisations you are keen to receive information about, then we will be able to access our financial records to review payments made to these organisations.

Schools: Newham

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of demand for school places in the London Borough of Newham for (a) boys and (b) girls in the next five years.

Nick Gibb: Local authorities are responsible for ensuring sufficient school places for pupils, including accurately forecasting demand. The Department collects forecasts of future demand for pupil places from each local authority, covering the next five years, through the annual school capacity survey (SCAP). Local authorities do not distinguish the gender of pupils within this data.The latest published SCAP data, relating to the position as reported at May 2015, can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-capacity-academic-year-2014-to-2015. Local authority level data for pupil forecasts can be found in tables A5 for primary and A6 for secondary. This data covers the periods 2015 to 2019 for primary and 2015 to 2021 for secondary.

Ministry of Justice

Children: Custody

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the opportunities to present evidence in child custody cases; and if she will make a statement.

Dr Phillip Lee: The law requires the welfare of the child to be the court’s paramount concern when making any decision about a child’s upbringing, including with whom the child is to live or spend time. Any person who is a party to such proceedings will provide initial evidence and information to the court in their original application or in any response to an application. A party may make representations to the court about any further evidence they wish to put before the court. Rules of court indicate that it is for the court to determine how and when parties may submit evidence. The rules provide for different ways in which this can be done, including a party giving evidence in writing, orally or via video link facilities, where available. In child arrangements proceedings, the court may also ask the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) to provide independent analysis and recommendations.

Homosexuality: Northern Ireland

Danny Kinahan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will ensure that her Department includes an extension to Northern Ireland of a pardon for gay and bisexual men convicted under now abolished offences and seeks a Legislative Consent Motion on this matter from the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Dr Phillip Lee: I am proud that the Government is delivering its manifesto commitment to posthumously pardon gay and bisexual men convicted of now abolished sex offences. We are also going further and pardoning living individuals who have had their historical convictions deleted through the Home Office disregard process. Lord Sharkey’s amendments to the Policing and Crime Bill on this issue extend to England and Wales only. It is an established principle that the UK Parliament only legislates on devolved matters in Northern Ireland with the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly. My officials are in preliminary discussions with the Northern Ireland Department of Justice regarding this.

Crown Courts

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the extent to which Crown Courts operate at their full capacity.

Sir Oliver Heald: The ability of HMCTS to utilise available courtroom capacity is influenced by a number of factors including the number and type of judges available to hear Crown Court work, the number of sitting days allocated to the Crown Court and the activities of criminal justice system participants, including prosecuting authorities and defence practitioners. All the above are kept under regular review at all levels of the Ministry and by the judiciary so that appropriate decisions and interventions can be made to make best use of capacity and resources, in light of both current workload and performance and future workload projections.

Ministry of Justice: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in her Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Dr Phillip Lee: Proportion and headcount of Senior Civil Servant (SCS) staff based outside of London for MoJ including NOMS as at 31 March for 2013 - 2014, 2014 - 2015 and 2015 - 2016 can be found below. Our department is headquartered in Whitehall, and therefore the figures on the number of Senior Civil Service staff in London will reflect that. Information on SCS job roles is not held in sufficient detail to allow a breakdown into the role descriptions provided. MoJ including NOMS  As at 31/03/2014As at 31/03/2015As at 31/03/2016Total Headcount Outside London364548Total % Outside London19%23%21%

Ministry of Justice: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration her Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Dr Phillip Lee: On 17 October the Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families laid a Written Ministerial Statement before this House reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It stated that both the UNCRC articles and the Committee’s recent Concluding Recommendations serve as a helpful and important guide to making sure that our policies – whether they hold direct or indirect consequences – consider children. In the Ministry of Justice, impact on children and families is a core consideration. We analyse the impact of polices in relation to particular groups, as part of good policy-making. This is done in particular through engagement with civil society and professionals. All government departments consider the anticipated effects of legislation on children and on the compatibility of draft legislation with the UNCRC. This guidance can be found at www.gov.uk

Family Proceedings: Judgements

Mr Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions she has had with the President of the Family Division  on the issuance of new guidance on the anonymisation of judgments.

Dr Phillip Lee: I have discussed this matter with the President of the Family Division, and the next steps are under consideration.

Companies: Fraud

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to her Department's press release of 12 May 2016, entitled New plans to tackle corporate fraud, when she plans to launch a consultation on plans to extend the scope of the corporate offence of failing to prevent to economic crimes beyond bribery and tax evasion.

Sir Oliver Heald: There will be an update on the announced initiative in due course.

Care Proceedings

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many care cases there have been in the English Family Courts in each of the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement.

Dr Phillip Lee: The table below shows the number of children involved in care applications in England, from 2011 – 2015, the latest year for which full data is available. Data on the number of care applications prior to 2011 is not held. Year20112012201320142015Total19, 03519,18518,28318,63011,813

Ministry of Defence

Iraq Historic Allegations Team

Sir Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many meetings Ministers of his Department have had with representatives of the Iraq Historic Allegations Team since June 2015.

Mike Penning: Ministers from the Ministry of Defence have met with the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) twice since June 2015. These were:On 21 January 2016 the then Minister for the Armed Forces, Penny Mordaunt, visited the IHAT.On 15 September 2016 I visited the IHAT.

Armed Forces: Civil Proceedings

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to prevent vexatious lawsuits being brought against British servicemen.

Mike Penning: This Government is committed to putting a stop to ill-founded claims against our service personnel resulting from military operations overseas. We recently announced our presumption to derogate from the relevant Articles of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in future conflicts, whenever the conditions for doing so are met. Derogation will help to protect our military personnel from opportunistic ECHR-based legal claims, which will support them in taking difficult decisions on the battlefield. This will enable us to spend more of our growing defence budget on Service personnel rather than fees for lawyers. We will announce further measures in due course.

Army Reserve

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many trained Army Reserve soldiers and officers there have been in each of the Army's regiments and corps in each year since 2010.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fully trained Army reservists were in the (a) Infantry, (b) Royal Artillery, (c) Royal Corps of Signals, (d) Army Medical Services, (e) Adjutant General's Corps, (f) Royal Armoured Corps, (g) Army Air Corps, (h) Royal Engineers, (i) Royal Logistics Corps, (j) Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and (h) Intelligence Corps in each training year since 2010.

Mark Lancaster: The attached table shows the number of trained Army Reservists by regiment and corps. The requested figures are unavailable in the months prior to April 2012, due to changes to the definition and identification of trained personnel. The data supplied therefore provides figures for each year since April 2012. Source: Defence Statistics (Army)



50543 - Table showing FR20 numbers by regiment
(Excel SpreadSheet, 15.62 KB)

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Spartan and CVR(T) vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Stormer vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Bulldog and FV430 series vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Warrior infantry fighting vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Challenger 2 main battle tanks are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Jackal 2 armoured vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) undergoing the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Viking BVS10 vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Wolfhound vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Quad bike vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many L118 light guns are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many AS90 self-propelled guns are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Demountable rack offload and pickup systems (DROPS) vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Panther vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Snatch 2 Land Rover vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RWMIK Land Rover vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Mastiff vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ridgeback vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Foxhound vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Husky vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Coyote TSV (light) vehicles are (a) in operational service, (b) used for training, (c) held in reserve, (d) in the inspection and repair process and (e) mothballed or in storage.

Harriett Baldwin: The Ministry of Defence publishes annual statistics on vessels, land equipment and aircraft of the Armed Forces, as well as military formations. Some of the information requested can be found in the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-armed-forces-equipment-and-formations-2016The Bulldog is part of the FV430 series and the CVR(T) is a general term for a number of vehicles.Regarding vehicles that do not appear in the annual statistics, the number of these is as follows:VehicleNumberStormer62Spartan275DROPS581SNATCH 2164Panther395RWMIK371Quad Bike688We do not routinely comment on specific levels of readiness for individual capabilities as to do so would compromise operational security, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

Army

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many trained soldiers and officers there have been in (a) the Queen's Royal Hussars, (b) the King's Royal Hussars, (c) the Royal Tank Regiment and (d) the Royal Wessex Yeomanry in each year since 2010.

Mark Lancaster: Attached are tables showing the number of trained Regular soldiers and officers there have been in the the Queen's Royal Hussars, the King's Royal Hussars, the Royal Tank Regiment the Royal Wessex Yeomanry as of April in each year since 2010.



Tables showing number of trained regular soldiers 
(Word Document, 27.95 KB)

Challenger Tanks

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many reserve Challenger 2 crew have passed Annual Crew tests on the platform at what level in each year since 2010.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many regular Challenger 2 crew have passed annual crew tests on the platform at what level in each year since 2010.

Mark Lancaster: Challenger 2 crew consist of a total of four personnel which includes driver, gunner, loader/operator and commander. There are six levels of Annual Crew Tests for Challenger 2 crews. The number of reserve and regular crews to have completed Annual Crew Tests on Challenger 2 by year is shown in the table below. 2016 is the first year that Reserve crews have completed Annual Crew Tests on Challenger 2.  Year2010201120122013201420152016Regular1663482764160123ReserveNANANANANANA6  We do not routinely comment on specific levels of readiness for individual capabilities as to do so would compromise operational security, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. As such the table shows the total number of crews who have passed an individual crew test; not the level which they have passed.

Challenger Tanks

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to reduce the number of regular armoured regiments that operate the Challenger 2 main battle tank; and if he will make a statement.

Mike Penning: The Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank remains a key capability for the British Army in the Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 and Joint Force 2025 plans. Work is under way, including in relation to the delivery of Challenger 2 capability, to ensure that the Army has the optimum force structure to introduce new capabilities such as the Strike Brigades and a war-fighting division whilst continuing to meet its current and future commitments. At this time no decisions have been reached.

Challenger Tanks

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Challenger 2 main battle tanks are expected to go through the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme.

Harriett Baldwin: The Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank remains a key capability for the British Army in the Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 and Joint Force 2025 plans. As such the Ministry of Defence is investing £53 million in the assessment phase of a Life Extension Programme with further funding allocated for a demonstration and manufacture phase.The Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (C2LEP) is within the assessment phase and until the main investment point is reached, no decision will be made on the number of Challenger 2 tanks that will go through the C2LEP.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to procure the F-35A for the Royal Air Force; and if he will make a statement.

Harriett Baldwin: The Strategic Defence and Security Review confirmed the UK's commitment to procure 138 F-35 aircraft over the life of the programme. Decisions on the precise details of subsequent tranches will be taken at the appropriate time to ensure the most appropriate capability and the best value for money.As of 2 November 2016 five F35B aircraft have been delivered.

Army Reserve: Training

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Army Reserve soldiers who started but did not complete either phase 1 or phase 2 training have been discharged in each year since 2010.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Army Reserve soldiers started but did not complete phase 2 training in each year since 2010.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Army Reserve soldiers started but did not complete phase 1 training in each year since 2010.

Mark Lancaster: The number of Army Reserve soldiers who started but did not complete either phase 1 or phase 2 training is shown below.  SoldiersOfficers12-month Totals per Financial YearPhase 1 TraineesPhase 2 TraineesPhase 1 TraineesPhase 2 TraineesApril 2012 - March 20131,3506902040April 2013 - March 20141,2505402030April 2014 - March 20155303502020April 2015 - March 20165802703020 The requested figures are unavailable on a consistent basis in the months prior to April 2012, due to changes to the definition and identification of trained personnel.

Army Reserve

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Army reservists in the (a) Infantry, (b) Royal Artillery, (c) Royal Corps of Signals, (d) Army Medical Services, (e) Adjutant General's Corps, (f) Royal Armoured Corps, (g) Army Air Corps, (h) Royal Engineers, (i) Royal Logistics Corps, (j) Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and (h) Intelligence Corps successfully passed the annual mandatory training tests in each training year since 2010.

Mark Lancaster: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Harriett Baldwin) on 21 September 2016 to Question 46177 to the hon. Member for Strangford (Mr Shannon).



QnA extract on Army Reserve Training
(Word Document, 14.44 KB)

Veterans: Employment

Christian Matheson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support veterans into employment.

Mark Lancaster: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) ensures that Armed Forces personnel can serve safe in the knowledge that when they leave active service they will be well supported to translate their acquired skills, experience and qualifications into the second career they aspire to. Service life is positive in this regard and the skills Service leavers possess are in demand from UK employers who recognise the benefits of bringing this talent into their organisation.To support this the MOD has a robust and effective resettlement system in place - this includes the highly successful Career Transition Partnership (CTP) which has helped 85 per cent of Service Leavers in 2014/15 find sustainable employment within six months of leaving the Armed Forces. This is particularly notable when compared to an employment rate of 73 per cent in the General UK population. The CTP is the MOD's official provider of resettlement services to those leaving the Armed Forces and provides one-to-one guidance, training and signposts employment opportunities to about 15,000 Service Leavers.All personnel are eligible for the CTP resettlement provision including those medically discharged, or leaving the Armed Forces due to redundancy. Personnel with less than four years' Service receive CTP Future Horizons. Personnel with between four and five years' Service receive the Employment Support Programme. Personnel with at least six years' Service receive an enhanced service - the Core Resettlement Programme. These free resettlement services are offered to all ranks of Service personnel and offers flexible support which can be accessed two years before discharge, through to two years post discharge in order to ensure that making the transition to civilian life is as smooth as possible.

Iraq Historic Allegations Team

Sir Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2016 to Question 49642, on the Iraq Historic Allegations Team, when he was first made aware of the contract; and if he will make a statement.

Mike Penning: The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) has always been an independent service police investigation, supported by contracted staff who provide additional manpower and expertise. This structure was agreed by Ministers prior to the set-up of the IHAT in 2010. IHAT's contractors were recruited through an open competition for the provision of specialist staff. Red Snapper was first awarded the contract in 2013 and Ministers were aware that an open competition process took place.

Defence Intelligence: Staff

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many civilian staff within Defence Intelligence are (a) men, (b) women and (c) from black and minority ethnic groups.

Mark Lancaster: The Defence Intelligence civilian workforce has some 1,425 people, comprising 915 men (64%) and 510 women (36%).Recording ethnicity across the Department is voluntary and within Defence Intelligence about 255 (some 18%) of civilian staff chose not to declare if they were from a BAME background. Those who declared as BAME number some 60, or about 5%. This compares favourably to the wider MOD figure of some 4%.

Scotland Office

Scotland Office: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department in the last 12 months.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not procured any steel in the last 12 months.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Tickets: Touting

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Independent Review of Consumer Protection Measures concerning Online Secondary Ticketing facilities, published in May 2016, what steps the Government is taking to tackle ticket touting.

Tracey Crouch: The Government is looking very carefully at Professor Waterson’s recommendations and a response will be published in due course.

S4C: Reviews

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how she plans to ensure that the Independent Review into S4C's recommendations are published in time to be incorporated into the final BBC charter documentation.

Matt Hancock: The S4C review is not due to commence until 2017, once the BBC Charter Review has concluded.

BBC Radio: Contracts

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many submissions from (a) employees of media companies and organisations and (b) from those not employed by media companies and organisations, in response to (i) the BBC Charter Review public consultation that closed on 8 October 2015 and (ii) her Department's research since October 2016, expressed (A) support for and (B) opposition to the proposal for 60 per cent tendering in BBC radio.

Matt Hancock: This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

S4C: Finance

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will suspend the planned budget reductions to S4C until the review of that channel has been published.

Matt Hancock: Government has agreed that S4C's funding would be protected in 2016/17 at its current level of £6.8m. The settlement for exchequer funding in following years was set out at the 2015 Spending Review. In September 2016 the BBC confirmed that they will protect licence fee funding for S4C at £74.5m until 2022.

Theatre: Low Incomes

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to encourage low-income families to visit theatres.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to increase participation in drama among people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Matt Hancock: The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and participate in culture and the arts whatever their background. To that end we have protected funding for Arts Council England (ACE) throughout the next spending period which will include support for arts programmes in areas where participation is low. The Culture White Paper sets out a range of commitments aimed at increasing diversity in arts participation. This includes the Cultural Citizens Programme which will provide young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who live in areas where fewer people visit museums, galleries or the theatre, with meaningful opportunities to experience the arts. Pilots are taking part in Liverpool and Blackpool, Birmingham and Barking and Dagenham. 600 young people will take part in the pilot programmes and will be offered range of cultural activities so they develop lifelong love of the arts. Young people in Birmingham, for example, will also be given free tickets to three different performances in the city, beginning this October with the Birmingham Rep theatre. ACE also places responsibility on every funded organisation to make their programme of work more reflective of the communities they serve and they fund a number of community arts organisations that look to engage disadvantaged people, such as Cinderford Artspace and Helix Arts which focus on encouraging unemployed adults and employed people on low incomes to participate in the arts. ACE also supports theatres like the Donmar, which runs the YOUNG+FREE programme offering 25 per cent of the tickets to young people who are 25 and under on a weekly basis.

Third Sector

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many and which social impact boards have been promoted by government departments since 2010.

Mr Rob Wilson: Since the launch of the world's first social impact bond (SIB) in Peterborough Prison in 2010, the government has supported the development of 32 SIBs across the country. This includes 14 SIBs targeting youth unemployment, 7 SIBs focused upon homelessness and 11 SIBs centred on tackling a range of issues including mental health and employment, long term health conditions, children in care and loneliness amongst older people. We have also made more than £105m available over this Parliament to catalyse the growth of SIBs aimed at tackling a range of social issues.

Department for Work and Pensions

Work Programme: Disability

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the number of disabled people who will lose access to specialist help to find work as a result of changes in the level of funding for the Government's work programme.

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department plans to take to provide support for disabled people who will lose access to specialist help to find work as a result of changes in the level of funding for the Government's work programme.

Penny Mordaunt: We announced at the Spending Review that there would be a real terms increase in funding for people with health conditions and disabilities over the course of the spending review period. We are doing more through our Jobcentre Plus network and are refocusing our contracted support on those that need it most.Contracted provision will continue to play a crucial role in offering support at the right time to those who have difficulty accessing the labour market. The Spending Review announced funding rising to at least £130 million a year by 2019/20 for the new Work and Health programme, including funding to be devolved to Scotland, focussing support on people with a disability, early access for priority groups and the long term unemployed. We expect the majority of people who will start the programme will be disabled people.The Work and Health Programme is only one part of the wider package of support for disabled people. Improving Lives, The Work, Health and Disability Green Paper Cm 9342, announced to the House by the Secretary of State of Work and Pensions on 31 October, confirms we will introduce a new Personal Support Package for people with health conditions and disabilities, with a range of new interventions and initiatives designed to provide support that is tailored to the individual needs of claimants.The Package will be delivered through Jobcentre Plus, including replacing the Work Programme with a smaller, but more focused Work and Health Programme, coupled with significant new investment in a new Health and Work Conversation for all ESA claimants; additional Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres; additional places on our existing employment programmes including a place on the Work and Health Programme for all new ESA Work-Related Activity Group claimants who wish to volunteer and are eligible, improved training for Work Coaches; and new measures that will harness the expertise of third sector organisations within Jobcentres.

State Retirement Pensions

Mrs Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in (a) the UK and (b) resident in overseas countries over the age of 100 received the state pension in each of the last three years; and how many such people lived in  each such overseas country in each of those years.

Richard Harrington: DWP does not hold information on the number of people over the age of 100 who live in each overseas country.The table below shows the information requested for numbers aged 100 or over recorded on our State Pension administrative data as of February 2014, 2015 and 2016.Please note these figures will include dormant cases where no State Pension is in payment but their cases have not been fully closed. This will happen when, for example, the Department has lost touch with a customer or does not have a validated date of death. These cases are suspended, with no payments being made, rather than being completely closed. It is not possible for us to identify and remove these cases from the centrally held figures below.  February 2014February 2015February 2016 Abroad not known--- Alderney--- Australia300300300 Austria--- Bangladesh--- Barbados--- Belgium--- Bermuda-00 Canada100200200 Chile0-0 Croatia-00 Cyprus--- Denmark00- Djibouti00- Dominica--- France--- French Overseas Departments0-0 Germany--- Ghana00- Gibraltar00- Great Britain20,10020,50020,700 Greece--- Grenada--- Guernsey--- Hong Kong--- Hungary--- India--- Israel--- Italy--- Jamaica--- Jersey--- Kenya--- Lebanon-00 Lithuania0-- Luxembourg0-- Malta--- Monaco-00 Montserrat0-- Morocco--- New Zealand--- Nigeria-00 Northern Ireland--- Norway--- Not known--- Not yet recorded-00 Pakistan--- Peru-00 Philippines0-- Poland--- Portugal--- Republic of Ireland--- Republic of Yemen--- South Africa--- Spain--- Sri Lanka00- St Kitts and Nevis-00 St Lucia--0 St Vincent and The Grenadines--- Swaziland00- Sweden--- Switzerland--- Tanzania00- The Czech Republic-00 The Netherlands--- Tours--0 US Virgin Islands00- USA100100100 Ukraine--- United Arab Emirates--- Zimbabwe---  Great Britain20,10020,50020,700 Overseas1,2001,3001,300  Total21,30021,800 21,900 Source: DWP - Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.Notes:Figures are rounded to the nearest 100, “-“ indicates less than 100 cases. Totals may not sum due to rounding.February 2016 is the latest data available.Countries where there are no people aged 100 or over recorded in our data as in receipt of the State Pension are not listed above.

Employment and Support Allowance: Appeals

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many employment and support allowance decisions have been amended at the mandatory reconsideration stage in each of the last five years.

Penny Mordaunt: The information can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-and-gender-recognition-certificate-statistics-quarterly-april-to-june-2016 - go to Main Tables, link SSCS3. This is for all types of ESA decisions.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/esa-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessments-including-mandatory-reconsiderations-and-appeals-september-2016 - go to Data Tables, Table 14. This is data for ESA Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decisions only. Note that MR was only introduced in Oct 2013 for ESA.

Employment and Support Allowance: Appeals

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many employment and support allowance decisions have been amended at the tribunal stage in each of the last five years.

Penny Mordaunt: The information can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-and-gender-recognition-certificate-statistics-quarterly-april-to-june-2016 - go to Main Tables, link SSCS3. This is for all types of ESA decisions.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/esa-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessments-including-mandatory-reconsiderations-and-appeals-september-2016 - go to Data Tables, Table 14. This is data for ESA Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decisions only. Note that MR was only introduced in Oct 2013 for ESA.

Children in Care: Social Security Benefits

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many care leavers aged between 18 and 25 as identified through the self-identified marker used by his Department had their sanctions overturned or reduced on reconsideration or appeal between October 2015 and March 2016.

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many care leavers identified through the self-identified marker used by his Department as being between the ages of 18 and 25 had their (a) jobseeker's allowance and (b) employment and support allowance sanctioned between October 2015 and March 2016.

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications from care leavers identified through the self-identified marker used by his Department as being between the ages of 18 and 25 submitted a request for reconsideration or appeal of a sanction decision between October 2015 and March 2016.

Damian Hinds: The information requested in respect of care leavers is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many personal independence payment decisions have been amended at the mandatory reconsideration state in each of the last five years.

Penny Mordaunt: The information can be found on page 5 of documents found in link below. Data is only available from 1 April 2013.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/552855/pip-statistics-to-july-2016.pdf

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Environment Agency: Grievance Procedures

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many grievance complaints by staff of the Environment Agency against team leaders and managers in the Environment Agency have been received since January 2012.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: 55 grievance complaints were made by staff of the Environment Agency against team leaders and managers since January 2013.

Environment Agency: Grievance Procedures

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many grievances against Environment Agency team leaders and managers have been upheld since January 2012.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Five grievances against Environment Agency team leaders and managers have been upheld in their entirety since January 2013. A further six grievances have been partially upheld.

Environment Agency: Disciplinary Proceedings

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what provisions are in place in the Environment Agency to protect employees working in the field of criminal investigation from the baseless use of disciplinary proceedings by managers.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The way in which the Environment Agency operates provides adequate provision against the “baseless use of disciplinary proceedings”. The Environment Agency takes seriously all concerns raised about misconduct. It investigates in accordance with a standard procedure with professional specialist HR oversight and support. A disciplinary hearing will only be conducted if there is a case to answer once the facts of the case have been established.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration her Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

George Eustice: Being able to analyse properly the impact of polices in relation to particular groups is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done in a range of ways, particularly through engagement with civil society and professionals. Cabinet Office guidance to all Government departments, including Defra, advises that child rights impact assessments should be undertaken on policy and legislative changes, and Impact assessments are regularly undertaken where the child is directly affected by proposed changes. Rights, freedoms and protections for children are considered throughout policy-making, but the Government has also put in place extra checkpoints where it is thought additional guarantees are useful and important. These include: The Equalities Impact Assessment, which ensures that decision-makers understand the impact on protected groups.A Family Test that helps us to understand the impact of new policies on families and children

Farmers: Young People

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assistance her Department is providing to support young people who wish to (a) pursue a career in farming and (b) acquire the rights to a farm.

George Eustice: The Government is currently providing additional support for young new entrants into the farming sector through the EU Basic Payment Scheme where eligible farmers aged between 18 and 40 can claim a 25% uplift on up to 90 hectares of their Basic Payment Scheme payments for up to 5 years after they have started in business. In addition the EU Rural Development Programme provides support through the Growth Programme to rural entrepreneurs including farmers setting up a new business or expanding an existing business. Whilst the UK is a member of the EU these funding streams will remain in place. Defra will continue to engage with young farmers to help shape our plans for food, farming and the environment outside the EU. The Government also provides grant support to the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to provide training opportunities for young farmers and a new industry-led pilot scheme is under way to provide a matching service for older farmers looking to retire or enter into partnerships with younger new entrants looking for opportunities to farm. We are also working with the Food and Drink Federation to treble the number of apprenticeships across the food industry. The Government is exploring a range of different farm business models that can open up opportunities for new entrants such as share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures. These business models can provide young new farmers with an opportunity to gain experience and build up capital to progress their careers in farming.

Food: Exports

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to develop export markets for British food products outside the EU.

George Eustice: The UK Food and Drink International Action Plan 2016-2020 was launched earlier this month. This sets out a Government and industry strategy to grow UK food and drink exports to 2020 and beyond. The Action Plan identifies nine campaigns in 18 target markets. Extending market access across the world is a key pillar of the plan and good progress is being made in negotiations with USA, China and Japan on several commodities.

Agriculture: Regulation

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the burden of regulation on farmers.

George Eustice: The Government (Defra, the Department for Transport, Food Standards Agency and the Home Office) accepted 137 of more than 200 recommendations made by the Farming Regulation Task Force in 2011. The Farming Regulation Task Force Implementation Group published a final assessment of our delivery in April 2014 which concluded that we had completed or made progress against the vast majority of the accepted recommendations. The remaining 27 recommendations are currently being reviewed as part of the ‘Cutting Red Tape: Review of the Information Managements in the Agricultural Sector’. A report on the findings of this review will be published in due course. Leaving the EU creates many opportunities to improve regulation and the way regulation is implemented. The government is currently working on future policy and will consult industry and rural communities.

Gamekeepers

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many gamekeepers there were in the UK in each of the last five years.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Defra does not hold information on employment figures for gamekeepers. There is no requirement for gamekeepers or employers of gamekeepers to report this information to Defra.

Gun Sports

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the value of grouse-shooting to the UK economy was in each of the last five years.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Information on the value of grouse shooting to the UK economy is not held by the Government. According to an industry report (Public & Corporate Economic Consultants report 2014: The Value of Shooting, found at www.shootingfacts.co.uk) shooting as a whole is estimated to be worth about £2 billion a year to the economy, supporting more than 70,000 full-time equivalent jobs. It is also involved in the management of about two-thirds of the UK’s rural landscape and the report cites £250 million is spent on management activities every year, with substantial benefits for conservation. The Moorland Association estimates that the grouse shooting industry supports 1,520 full-time jobs.

Home Office

Detainees: Children

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many children were detained for immigration purposes at ports in the UK in each of the last three years; and how many such children were unaccompanied.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Holding answer received on 18 October 2016



Numbers relating to children held in the short term holding facilities at port are derived from information provided by TASCOR, the Border Force contractors, who manage the port holding rooms.Border Force has a legal duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, to have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Where it is absolutely necessary, Border Force may detain children or families with children.Border Force can hold an unaccompanied child in a short term holding facility for the maximum period of 24 hours but only where it is absolutely necessary for immigration purposes and in the interests of their welfare. Detention will be for the shortest possible time and only while alternative arrangements are made for their care.

Antisocial Behaviour

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the use of the Community Trigger to tackle anti-social behaviour on a (a) national, (b) regional and (c) local authority level.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that local authorities are using the Community Trigger for reviewing reports of anti-social behaviour in a consistent way with respect to (a) the thresholds involved, (b) publicising the process and (c) publishing information on uses of the Community Trigger.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to increase public awareness of the Community Trigger for reviewing anti-social behaviour complaints.

Sarah Newton: The Home Office does not collect or hold information on anti-social behaviour case reviews undertaken by local agencies using the Community Trigger process. The Government issued statutory guidance for frontline professionals in July 2014 on the use of powers to tackle anti-social behaviour introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.This included information on the Community Trigger, including setting an appropriate threshold, publishing the procedure to be followed when making an application, and relevant data relating to use of the Trigger. We are currently reviewing the statutory guidance and we will publish revised guidance in due course if changes are required.

Terrorism: Social Networking

Danny Kinahan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that social media activity by terrorist groups both within the UK and abroad is effectively monitored.

Mr Ben Wallace: This Government takes extremely seriously the threat from those that post online terrorist and extremist material.In the UK, our dedicated police Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) proactively identifies and refers online terrorist and extremist content to communication service providers for removal. Since its inception in February 2010, CTIRU has secured the removal of more than 220,000 pieces of terrorist-related content. Its work has a global impact as content is removed by industry from their social media platforms world-wide.Internationally, the UK assisted in the establishment of the European Internet Referrals Unit (EUIRU) which replicates the UK model at European level and services all Member States. The Unit went live on 1 July 2015 and has focused on a broad range of non-English language content, including Arabic, French and German. Since its creation, the EUIRU has secured the removal of over 12,000 pieces of terrorist-related content.

Terrorism: British Nationals Abroad

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 18 October 2016 to Questions 47748 and 47749, on terrorism: British nationals abroad, how many people have been charged with terrorism offences.

Mr Ben Wallace: Pursuant to my answer of the 18 October, the number of individuals suspected of involvement in acts of terrorism or criminal matters who are arrested and then formally charged is recorded and collated in the Home Office Quarterly Statistical Bulletin which was last published on 22 September 2016.These statistics do not disaggregate arrests, charges and convictions relating exclusively to those charged whilst abroad, just as they do not for overseas returnees.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Mr David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will place in the Library the correspondence she had with Judge Goddard asking for her to appear before the Home Office committee after her resignation as chair of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 21 October 2016



On 6 October 2016, Mark Sedwill, Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, wrote to Dame Lowell Goddard, former chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, to pass on a request from the Home Affairs Select Committee that she appear before the Committee. The Committee has published the text of this letter on its website.

Community Relations

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish Dame Louise Casey's review into opportunity and integration without alteration or delay.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the reasons are for the time taken to publish the findings and recommendations of Dame Louise Casey's Review into Opportunity and Integration in the UK.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when Dame Louise Casey's review into Opportunity and Integration in the UK will be published.

Sarah Newton: Dame Louise Casey’s independent review on boosting opportunity and integration in isolated and vulnerable communities will report to the Prime Minister and be published in due course.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what correspondence she has received from members of the panel of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse on the conduct of Dame Lowell Goddard between her appointment as Chair and the date of her departure from that position.

Sarah Newton: The Secretary of State did not receive any correspondence from panel members on the conduct of Dame Lowell Goddard between her appointment as Inquiry Chair and the date of her departure.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what dates she held meetings with Dame Lowell Goddard between her appointment as chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and her decision to resign from that position; and which other people were present at each such meeting.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 21 October 2016



As the Secretary of State informed the Home Affairs Committee on 7 September, she has never met Dame Lowell Goddard.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much was spent on work by Ben Emmerson QC during the period that he served as the most senior lawyer for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse; and if she will publish a breakdown of those costs.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 24 October 2016



On 12 March 2015 the former Home Secretary established the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse under the Inquiries Act 2005. The Inquiry is independent of the Government and is responsible for the management of its own budget and the publication of its own financial reports.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what expenses were claimed by Dame Lowell Goddard during her time as Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse; and if she will publish a breakdown of those expenses.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 24 October 2016



On 12 March 2015 the former Home Secretary established the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse under the Inquiries Act 2005. The Inquiry is independent of the Government and is responsible for the management of its own budget and the publication of its own financial reports.

Assisted Voluntary Return Schemes

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, to which countries her Department has not been able to return people through the assisted voluntary return programme in 2016 due to there being no viable route of return available.

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, to which countries her Department has not been able to return people through the assisted voluntary return programme in 2016 because their country of origin automatically removes citizenship from people who have had prolonged residence in another country.

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, to which countries her Department has not been able to return people through the assisted voluntary return programme in 2016 due to their country of origin not facilitating or issuing the necessary documentation for that return.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office does not collate information on the policy of foreign governments towards those seeking to voluntarily return to their country of origin.Persons who seek to return to their country of origin voluntarily are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documentation. The Home Office does not hold data on the status of applications made by individuals to their embassy or high commission.In 2016 there have been no countries to which the Voluntary Returns Service cannot return an individual due to there being no viable route of return.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Mr David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2016 to Question 49304, on correspondence with Judge Goddard, when she plans to provide a substantive reply to that Question.

Sarah Newton: I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer that was given to question 49304 on 2 November 2016.

Asylum

Dr Tania Mathias: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training asylum caseworkers receive on processing and considering asylum claims involving allegations of torture or serious harm where a Medico-Legal report from the Medical Foundation Medico-Legal Report Service at Freedom from Torture or the Helen Bamber Foundation forms part of the evidence.

Mr Robert Goodwill: All members of staff who make decisions in asylum receive the same level of training. This includes a dedicated five-week foundation training programme that includes training on international and domestic law and safeguarding issues supplemented by a mentoring programme with an experienced caseworker that can last up to 6 months. Within this course there are specific sections that detail torture and Medico Legal Reports and how they should be used and analysed in asylum claims.Asylum Operations recently received funding from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund to review and redevelop its training prospectus. As part of that work, Asylum Operations is liaising with a range of external stakeholders -including migrant charities and non-governmental organisations - to ensure a robust and effectivesafeguarding training product.

101 Calls: Fees and Charges

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on charging for calls from mobile telephones to the police non-emergency number 101.

Brandon Lewis: The police non-emergency number has a one off 15 pence charge from a mobile phone. The public have always paid to contact the police for non-emergencies and the 15 pence per call charge is a competitive and transparent rate, especially when compared to previous police non-emergency numbers (such as 0845 numbers) which could cost up to 40 pence per minute.Police forces and the Government do not make money from calls to 101. The 15 pence per call charge goes directly to telephony providers and covers the cost of handling calls and routing calls to destinations.

Department for International Development

Department for International Development: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in her Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Rory Stewart: The proportion of DFID Senior Civil Servants designated as Deputy Director based outside of London is detailed in the table below. DFID does not designate Senior Civil Servants as assistant director, team leader or policy manager. Deputy Director Outside London 201633201537201442

Department for International Development: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration her Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Rory Stewart: The rights, freedoms and protections for children are considered throughout policy-making and programme activity across DFID. As part of DFID’s commitment to children, the Secretary of State recently announced her founding Board membership of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children and increased UK ambition in tackling child labour in developing countries. DFID leadership includes recent commitments to eradicate female genital mutilation; end child, early and forced marriages; tackle all forms of violence against women and girls, recognising the harm this does to both boys and girls; and protecting children in conflict and humanitarian settings.

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what external meetings on HIV and AIDS she has had since July 2016.

James Wharton: The UK is committed to helping end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Ministers meet with key players in the international response to HIV on a regular basis.At the Fifth Replenishment Conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria held in Montreal on 16-17 September, the Secretary of State met with Mark Dybul (Executive Director, the Global Fund), Bill Gates (Co-Chair, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), Lelio Marmora (Executive Director, UNITAID) and Michel Sidibé (Executive Director, UNAIDS).

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department plans to renew its HIV and Aids strategy, Towards Zero Infections, which came to an end in 2015.

James Wharton: The UK remains firmly committed to ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 and to ensuring no one is left behind. The UK recently announced a significant £1.1 billion pledge to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. The 2013 review of the 2011 UK HIV Position Paper ‘Towards Zero Infections’ identified the integration of HIV with wider development needs as a key strategic priority. DFID will continue to pursue this approach, rather than developing a stand-alone strategy.

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, of the expenditure that her Department has allocated to its HIV and Aids response, what direct spend has not been coded under HIV prevention, treatment and care; and under what sectors that expenditure has been coded, in each of the last five years.

James Wharton: The UK is the second largest international donor on HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. DFID has adapted spend on HIV to the changing epidemic and our assessment of how to maximise results, concentrating on key affected populations and the integration of HIV responses into the wider health system and broader development priorities.The following bilateral expenditure for the years we have access to, relates to those programmes that have been marked under the HIV policy objective markers which are not included under HIV prevention, treatment and care input sector codes. 2012/132013/142014/152015/16£195,828,861£188,313,091£99,748,580£116,031,030 These programmes are coded under a variety of other sectors including broader health and systems strengthening, education, governance and social protection which also have an impact on HIV outcomes. This in addition to direct HIV bilateral spending.DFID’s expenditure on HIV and AIDS is now primarily directed through our multilateral support. The UK made a significant £1.1billion pledge to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

HM Treasury

National Infrastructure Commission

Stephen Kinnock: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons the National Infrastructure Commission is to be established as an executive agency rather than as a non-departmental public body.

Mr David Gauke: The government considers that the National Infrastructure Commission will have the right tools to deliver its objectives and operate effectively as an executive agency. It will continue to provide robust, impartial analysis and advice on the country’s most complex and pressing infrastructure challenges. Setting up the NIC as an executive agency will mean that the Commission can be up and running in permanent form as soon as January 2017.

Child Tax Credit

Alison Thewliss: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will carry out an impact assessment on the effect on child poverty levels of limiting tax credit payments to two children.

Jane Ellison: There will be no cash losers as a result of the Government’s policy to limit support to two children in Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit. An impact assessment of Tax Credits and Universal Credit changes to Child Element and Family Element was published in July 2015.

Revenue and Customs: Croydon

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of staff being relocated to Croydon regional centre by HM Revenue and Customs have been deemed as living within reasonable daily travel of the centre; and what the basis was for that assessment.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs staff being relocated to the Croydon Regional Centre are in the process of one to one meetings with managers to discuss personal circumstances and establish whether or not they can move. The discussions undertaken to date indicate that the majority of people are within reasonable daily travel of the new regional centre.

Revenue and Customs: Dismissal

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HM Revenue and Customs' staff have been dismissed in each year since 2006; and what proportion of those staff were disabled.

Jane Ellison: The table below shows all dismissals from 1 April 2006 and the number of people dismissed who have recorded their disability status as disabled and non-disabled.YearTotal No. Of DismissalsRecorded Disabled statusNot Recorded Disabled status2006/0715001502007/08386103762008/09457334242009/10530744562010/11467943732011/12511844272012/135101004102013/14449833662014/15346632832015/16522884342016/1723537198All Years Total4,5636661,242 HM Revenue and Customs runs regular educational campaigns to encourage people to declare their disability status. For the Department as a whole, the disability declaration rate has increased from 5.4% in 2006 to 60.4% in 2016. As at 30 September 2016, 14.82% of the Department have recorded themselves as disabled.

Revenue and Customs: Cumbernauld

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans are in place to mitigate the potential economic effect of the proposal to close HM Revenue and Custom's Cumbernauld tax office.

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the detailed estimate his Department has made of the potential costs and savings of the proposed relocation of staff from Cumbernauld tax office to a new site in Glasgow.

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 26 October 2015 to Question 12759, if he will publish assessments made by HM Revenue and Customs of the local economic issues, business requirements, impact on current workforce and location principles in relation to the decision to close Cumbernauld tax office.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) transformation programme will deliver 13 large regional centres, four specialist sites, one London-based headquarters and five transitional locations across the country, replacing 170 smaller offices. The planning for this major programme is undertaken at national level and HMRC’s decision making has been driven by its duty to deliver the best value for money for the taxpayer. Its location plans are expected to generate savings of tens of millions of pounds every year from 2025.The HMRC office in Cumbernauld is scheduled to close in 2019-20. HMRC believes that the majority of staff are within reasonable daily travel of Glasgow and will move with their work.

Aviation: Taxation

Caroline Lucas: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a levy on second and subsequent journeys taken by air passengers in a single year.

Jane Ellison: The government believes that Air Passenger Duty is sufficient in fulfilling this function. Passengers who depart from UK airports more than once a year will pay more duty than those who fly less frequently.

Productivity

Mr Iain Wright: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made in implementing the reforms set out in Fixing the foundations: creating a more prosperous nation, published in July 2015; and whether he plans to continue to monitor the recommendations set out in that document.

Mr David Gauke: The government has made substantial progress in implementing the policies in “Fixing the foundations: Creating a more prosperous nation.” This includes: publishing a new National Infrastructure Delivery Plan which details £100 billion of planned public investment in infrastructure to 2020-21; finalising funding bands for the apprenticeship levy and setting it at 0.5% of an employer’s pay bill for employers with pay bills over £3 million; legislating for key planning reforms through the Housing and Planning Act such as automatic permission in principle on brownfield sites; signing eight mayoral devolution deals with regions across England including Liverpool, Sheffield and East Anglia; and increasing the Annual Investment Allowance to £200,000, its highest ever permanent level. The government is continuing to monitor the progress being made through mechanisms such as the Single Departmental Plans.

Treasury: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Simon Kirby: 100% of HM Treasury Senior Civil Servants are based in London.

Treasury: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Mr David Gauke: Being able to analyse properly the impact of polices in relation to particular groups is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done a range of ways, including through engagement with civil society and professionals. Cabinet Office guidance to all Government departments advises that child rights impact assessments should be undertaken on policy and legislative changes, and Impact Assessments are regularly undertaken where the child is directly affected by proposed changes. In addition, the Government has a responsibility to undertake: The Equalities Impact Assessment, which ensures that decision-makers understand the impact on protected groups. A Family Test that helps us to understand the impact of new policies on families and children. All Bills introduced by Treasury ministers are published with a memorandum confirming that the Bill is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the provisions of which overlap with those of the UNCRC to a considerable extent.

Loans

Julian Knight: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will (a) review and (b) ease restrictions on intermediary balance sheet lending by platforms under 36H of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2013.

Julian Knight: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to review the 36H regulations under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No.2) Order 2013.

Simon Kirby: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are currently undertaking a review of the regulatory regime for crowdfunding, including 36H of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No.2) Order 2013. Possible changes to the regulatory regime will be considered in light of the findings of the FCA review. Further information on the review can be found on the FCA’s website at https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/calls-input/post-implementation-review-fca-crowdfunding-rules

Royal Bank of Scotland

Tom Tugendhat: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he expects the review by the Financial Conduct Authority into the Royal Bank of Scotland's Global Restructuring Group to be published; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Kirby: As announced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in October, it has now received the final report from the appointed skilled person. It will consider the report’s findings along with all of the relevant material before making its findings publicly available.

Charities: Living Wage

Tim Loughton: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the national living wage on charities who are not subject to corporation tax in the (a) care home and (b) heritage sector.

Jane Ellison: The introduction of the National Living Wage marked an important step towards building an economy that works for everyone. It ensures that low-wage workers are fairly rewarded for their contribution to a growing economy. At £7.20, it is a 50p increase on the National Minimum Wage and means a pay rise for over a million workers aged 25 and over across the UK. The Government’s assessment of the effects of the National Living Wage is contained within the published impact assessment, which is available at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2016/9780111141625/impacts/2016/3.

Cabinet Office

Business Appointments Advisory Committee

Steve McCabe: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of whether the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments takes sufficient account of the potential risk of (a) an employer gaining an improper advantage by appointing a former official who holds information about its competitors or about impending government policy and (b) a former official or Minister improperly exploiting privileged access to contacts in government.

Chris Skidmore: The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is an independent body whose role is to provide advice on applications under the Business Appointment Rules for former Ministers and Senior Civil Servants. In providing this advice, the Committee carefully considers a wide range of information and takes a number of factors into account, including those referred to by the Honourable Member.

Departmental Coordination: Standards

John Pugh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how his Department monitors the effectiveness of cross-cutting initiatives that involve more than one government department.

Ben Gummer: The Government monitors cross-cutting issues in a number of ways.The Prime Minister has created seven Implementation Task Forces to monitor and drive delivery of the Government’s cross-cutting priorities. These task forces bring together Ministers and officials to track progress, spot and resolve issues, maintain momentum and ensure accountability and ensure that departments deliver to time.In addition, internal Single Departmental Plans also require departments to set out their contributions to cross-cutting issues and ensure consistent milestones and metrics for joint areas of work.

National Cyber Security Centre

Craig Williams: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress has been made on establishing the National Cyber Security Centre.

Ben Gummer: The National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ, was formally established on 3 October. The Centre will play a leading role in our ambitious plans to improve UK cyber security, and is a crucial part of our five-year National Cyber Security Strategy launched earlier this week.It draws on GCHQ’s world class technical expertise and global intelligence capabilities to help the UK prepare for and respond to major incidents, as well as give better guidance to our key industries on cyber security, and push forward technological innovation so as better to protect the UK from cyber threats.

Electoral Register

Callum McCaig: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to introduce automatic electoral registration.

Chris Skidmore: The Government is not considering introducing automatic registration, as it would undermine the principles behind individual registration.Our Register to Vote website, used by nearly 80% of applicants, already means registration is quick and easy.To ensure our democracy works for everyone, we need to make electoral registration even more efficient. We are working closely with Local Authorities to progress modern registration activities.

Public Sector: Assets

Jo Churchill: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the performance of the One Public Estate programme.

Ben Gummer: Last year, One Public Estate expanded to over a third of councils in England. Together, they expect to deliver £56million in running cost savings, £138million in capital receipts, 36,000 jobs and 16,500 homes by 2020. But there are many more excellent proposals and that is why, at Autumn Statement 2015, we announced £31million of funding to expand One Public Estate. Now covering 50% of councils in England, we will continue to support more councils and deliver more benefits over the Parliament.

Public Sector: Ethnic Groups

Kate Green: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to publish its initial findings from its audit to tackle racial disparities in public service outcomes.

Ben Gummer: This audit will look into racial disparities in our public services. It will highlight the differences in treatment of, and outcomes for, people of different backgrounds, including in health, education, childcare, welfare, employment, skills and criminal justice. The audit is well underway. The Race Disparity Unit is working with Departments to identify what data they hold on outcomes in public services for different racial groups, by geographical location and income. We will publish the data when it is available.

Public Sector: Digital Technology

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent progress has been made on the use of digital technologies to improve public services.

Ben Gummer: We are committed to improving public services through better use of technology. We are making it easier to assure your identity online through GOV.UK Verify, which went live in May 2016 and has so far verified more than 900,000 users.We are piloting two programmes with Local Authorities on using GOV.UK Verify to make it easier for users to apply for parking permits and concessionary travel discounts.Additionally, the cross-Government payment platform, GOV.UK Pay, took its first payments in October 2016.

Department for International Trade

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential effect on the UK economy in the event that the EU-Canada free trade agreement is not concluded.

Greg Hands: The Government welcomes the signature of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) agreement on Sunday 30 October, after agreement was reached by all Member States on Friday 28 October.

Northern Ireland Office

Borders: Northern Ireland

Tom Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make representations to the EU Exit and Trade Committee to examine the needs of UK citizens living along the border with the Republic of Ireland.

James Brokenshire: Northern Ireland’s land border with another EU state places it in a unique position and, as the Government has stated, we do not want to see a return to the borders of the past. We are giving careful consideration of UK citizens’ existing rights to work, study, settle and travel within the EU as part of the analysis and preparation for forthcoming negotiations on EU exit.

Department of Health

Breast Cancer

Sir Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many and what proportion of breast radiologist posts were unfilled in each of the last five years for which data is available.

Sir Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to ensure that vacant posts in breast radiology are filled over the next five years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department does not collect this information. National Health Service organisations are best placed to decide how many staff they employ tailoring services to meet the needs of their patients and local communities, to deliver safe care. Health Education England is responsible for ensuring a secure workforce supply that reflects the needs of local service users, providers and commissioners of healthcare. As part of the investment planning process, clinical radiologists have been prioritised with plans to increase training posts by 32 to 1,144 for 2016-17 recruitment.

Mental Health Services: Nurses

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for mental health nursing were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for learning disability nursing were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for midwifery were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for district nursing were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The following table shows the total number of planned training places for student mental health (MH) and learning disability (LD) nurses, midwives and district nurses who began training in each year in England in each of the last five complete years. The year period 2016/17 has planned training place numbers available only. Year2011/122012/132013/142014/152015/162016/17 PlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedStudent MH Nurse3,2653,1493,1323,0252,9083,0792,9083,1013,2433,3213,343Student LD Nurse614574612618876603653639664607641Student Midwife2,5072,4842,5782,5802,5882,5402,5632,5352,6052,5802,605Student District Nurse255177257186402402431381502443505 Source: multi professional education and training budget monitoring returns

General Practitioners

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the optimum length of contracts for the provision of GP services by clinical commissioning groups in terms of (a) raising health levels at a primary care level, (b) ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and (c) determining that investment in primary care services is ensured; and if he will make a statement.

David Mowat: The Department has not made an assessment of the optimum length of contracts.It is for local commissioners to decide determine the best length of core primary care services commissioned under Alternative Provider Medical Services contracts and additional non-primary care services commissioned by clinical commissioning groups using the NHS Standard Contract. This is because different levels will be appropriate depending on the local situation.

Truvada

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make representations to Gilead to ensure the lowest possible price for Truvada is offered to NHS England in the next Clinical Priorities Advisory Group prioritisation round.

David Mowat: As part of NHS England’s Clinical Priorities Advisory Group process, all suppliers of potential new treatments had the opportunity to offer improvements in affordability and improved value for money prior to the prioritisation process. NHS England continues to work to encourage suppliers to improve affordability and value for money of all new treatments.

NHS: Private Finance Initiative

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS Private Finance Initiative schemes have been signed since 2010.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many Private Finance Initiative contracts have been signed by his Department since 2010.

Mr Philip Dunne: Total future National Health Service Private Finance Initiative (PFI) payments in 2010 totalled £73.4 billion. Since 2010, four such hospital schemes have reached financial close. Three of these were PFI schemes at an advanced stage when the Coalition Government came into office in 2010. The fourth (Sandwell & West Birmingham), was approved under the new Government’s reformed Private Finance 2 (PF2) model announced in the 2012 Autumn Statement. Details of these are shown in the following table. NHS TrustCapital Value £mFinancial Close/Tender award dateAlder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust (formerly Royal Liverpool Children's)23721 March 2013Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust45013 December 2013Papworth Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Cambridge)16512 March 2015Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (PF2)34011 December 2015  You may wish to know that HM Treasury publishes data on all PFI schemes and you can find more information on these on their website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/private-finance-initiative-and-private-finance-2-projects-2015-summary-data

Radiography: Training

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for diagnostic radiographers were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for therapeutic radiographers were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The following table shows the total number of planned training places for student radiographers both diagnostic and therapeutic who began training in each year in England in each of the last five complete years. The year period 2016/17 has planned training place numbers available only. Year2011/122012/132013/142014/152015/162016/17Student RadiographerPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedActualPlannedDiagnostic1,0711,0811,0441,0431,0531,0781,0591,0441,1151,1131,131Therapeutic382378383383363376371368414366396 Source: multi professional education and training budget monitoring returns

General Practitioners: Training

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many training places for general practice were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The following table sets out the number of commissions and places filled for general practitioner training in the last five years. Year entering trainingCommissionsActual20122,6872,66920132,7612,73820143,0672,68820153,1172,76920163,2502,989Source: Health Education England

Health Professions: Per Capita Costs

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the average cost to the NHS of employing one (a) nurse, (b) midwife, (c) doctor and (d) GP.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department’s estimates of the average cost to the National Health Service employing one nurse, midwife and doctor are set out in the table below. Costs for recruitment and training are not collated centrally. Staff GroupEstimated Average Paybill per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE), 2015/16Qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors£42,300Midwives£45,900All hospital and community health services (HCHS) doctors£96,600Notes:Figures relate to 2015/16. Separate figures for qualified nurses are not available. Costs include employer national insurance and pension contributions but not other costs such as recruitment and training (This information is not collected centrally.) Doctors in General Practice are not included: the available cost information includes all practice costs, e.g. accommodation and other staff. Pay bill per FTE levels do not depend solely on pay policy and pay awards. They also reflect patterns in those leaving and joining the workforce and the impact this has on average experience and pay levels, and they reflect patterns in non-basic earnings such as overtime which can fluctuate. Source: Department of Health’s Headline HCHS Pay bill Metrics, which are based primarily on earnings statistics published by NHS Digital, supplemented by employer pension and national insurance contributions estimates informed by unpublished and unvalidated data from the Electronic Staff Record Data Warehouse. The NHS does not employ general practitioners (GPs). The latest data from NHS Digital shows that the average income before tax in 2014/15 for a full time contractor GP in England was £103,800. For full time salaried GPs, the average income in England in 2014/15 was £53,700.

Medical Treatments

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make additional funds available to NHS England to ensure as many specialised treatments as possible are offered in the next Clinical Priorities Advisory Group prioritisation round.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure that effective treatments in bands three, four and five of the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group prioritisation list are not defunded as a result of additional financial pressures added since the last prioritisation round.

David Mowat: In considering policies placed before it, the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group followed the published procedure which was subject to recent public consultation. This can be found at the following address: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/consultation/investment-decisions On 11 July, NHS England set out the provisional results of its annual process for deciding which new treatments and services it will make available to patients. These decisions were subject to the outcome of a judicial review on whether NHS England had the power to commission the use of anti-retroviral drugs for the prevention of HIV, given before exposure (known as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis). Following the judgement being delivered in that case, NHS England announced that it would, subject to the outcome of an appeal (which is still outstanding), be re-running the prioritisation process to include PrEP and those policies that were given a lower priority. Before the prioritisation process is re-run, there will be a further opportunity for manufacturers (including the manufacturer of everolimus) to offer better prices. This will increase the likelihood of that treatment being given a higher priority this time round.

Health Services: Foreign Nationals

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to introduce further provisions to ensure that people using the NHS from outside (a) the UK and (b) the EU pay for their treatment.

Mr Philip Dunne: Earlier this year the Department consulted on extending charging into other National Health Service services for people coming to the United Kingdom from overseas. The response will be published in due course.

Cholesterol: Drugs

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the innovative potential of PCSK9 inhibitor medicines for the treatment of high levels of cholesterol.

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for people with high cholesterol to access PCSK9 inhibitors for the treatment of that condition.

Nicola Blackwood: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has appraised the PCSK9 inhibitors alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha) for treating primary hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia. In June 2016, NICE issued final technology appraisal guidance recommending both treatments, subject to certain criteria. Further information is available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes-and-other-endocrinal--nutritional-and-metabolic-conditions/lipid-disorders NHS Commissioners are legally required to fund drugs and treatments recommended in NICE technology appraisal guidance within three months of its final guidance being issued.

Suicide

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department plans to publish a third annual suicide prevention report.

Nicola Blackwood: We expect to publish the third annual progress report of the cross-Government Suicide Prevention Strategy in due course.

General Practitioners: MOD Lyneham

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on provision for a families and civilian GP surgery outside the wire at MOD Lyneham.

David Mowat: My Rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has held no discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on provision for a families and civilian general practice surgery outside the wire at MOD Lyneham.

Mental Health Services

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to increase the use of clinical answering services for commissioning and decommissioning of treatment and support relating to mental health.

Nicola Blackwood: Decisions about the commissioning and decommissioning of local National Health Service services are a matter for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). We would expect CCGs to make all decisions regarding the commissioning and commissioning of services based on the needs of their local communities. We would also expect CCGs to carefully consider all factors relating to the delivery of high quality and efficient health services that meet quality standards and achieve the best outcomes for the communities. Local commissioning decisions should be supported, where appropriate, by robust consultation with the local community.

Eating Disorders: Children and Young People

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to paragraph 1.86 of the Autumn Statement 2014, how much of the £150 million made available for child and adolescent eating disorder services has been allocated to each clinical commissioning group for 2016-17.

Nicola Blackwood: Of the £150 million additional investment made available in the Autumn Statement 2014 for children and young people’s eating disorder services over the five years of this Parliament, £30 million has been allocated to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in 2016-17. A table detailing the funding per CCG is attached.



PQ50911 Eating Disorder Allocation by CCG 2016-17
(Excel SpreadSheet, 31.88 KB)

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to NHS England's announcement on 27 September 2016, of an additional £25 million for children and young people's mental health services, when he expects that funding to be allocated to clinical commissioning groups; and how his Department plans to ensure that the full allocation of that funding is spent in 2016.

Nicola Blackwood: The first half of the additional £25 million funding for children and young people’s mental health services has been allocated to all clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in October 2016 on a fair share basis. Payment of the second half of the funding will be made in January 2017, subject to CCGs submitting locally-held data on their current average waiting times for treatment to NHS England regional offices, demonstrating progress towards their improvement targets.

Women and Equalities

Sanitary Protection: VAT

William Wragg: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the level of VAT imposed on women's sanitary products; and what assessment she has made of the impact of that policy on equalities issues.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government made a legal commitment to apply a zero rate of VAT to women’s sanitary products as soon as we are legally able in this year’s Finance Act, which received Royal Assent on 16 September 2016. While we remain in the EU, we will continue to fulfil our obligations to it, including applying EU law on VAT. The Minister has therefore had no further discussions on this issue.

Civil Partnerships

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will bring forward proposals for a consultation on extending civil partnerships to heterosexual couples in England and Wales.

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the consequences for her policies of the introduction of different-sex civil partnerships on the Isle of Man.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government has already carried out a consultation on the future of civil partnerships in 2014, and has no plans to carry out another consultation on this issue.Following the passage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, we carried out a full review of the operation and future of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, which included a thorough public consultation on potential changes to civil partnership. Views were invited on three options: abolishing civil partnerships; phasing them out; or extending them to opposite sex couples.The review found that there was no clear consensus on the future of civil partnerships. A majority of respondents to the consultation were against extending civil partnerships to opposite sex couples and a significant number of stakeholders thought it was too soon to consider making changes to civil partnerships until the impact of extending marriage to same sex couples is known. Given the lack of any consensus, the Government has no current plans to make changes to the Civil Partnership Act 2004.The Isle of Man is a self-governing crown dependency. We are not required to carry out an assessment on their legislation.

LGBT People: Kingston upon Hull

Diana Johnson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what support the Government plans to provide to Hull for the national LGBT+ Pride festival in 2017; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government is considering different options for celebrating and supporting pride events in 2017 and will provide further details in due course. At Pride this year, the Government demonstrated its commitment to LGB&T equality in different ways: we flew the rainbow flag on top of the government buildings; the Prime Minister Theresa May issued a statement of solidarity with the LGB&T community ahead of the Brighton Pride, and I released an op-ed ahead of the Portsmouth Pride. We are looking forward to celebrating the diversity of our communities at Pride next year.

Equal Pay

Drew Hendry: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to reduce the gender pay gap.

Caroline Dinenage: Tackling the gender pay gap is an absolute priority for this Government. We will lay regulations requiring large employers to publish the difference between the average earnings of their male and female employees at the earliest opportunity. Our consultation on how gender pay gap reporting will be extended to public sector organisations closed on 30 September and we are currently analysing responses.We are making sure that women are given the opportunity to progress from the classroom to the boardroom. As well as encouraging girls to consider a range of careers through the ‘Your Life’ campaign, we have extended the right to request flexible working to all employees; introduced a new system of flexible parental leave; and committed to providing 30 hours of free childcare a week for working families. Nearly two-thirds of the people benefitting from the National Living Wage are women.

Public Sector: Equality

Dawn Butler: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2016 to Question 48607, on equality impact assessments, if her Department will publish the Public Sector Equality Duty guidance circulated across Whitehall.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government Equalities Office issues from time to time guidance on the Public Sector Equality Duty to Whitehall Departments. This is circulated with a view to enabling them to add any supporting documentation about their own processes before publishing the material on their intranets. The guidance was last issued in September 2014. The Department will publish that guidance in updated form on GOV.UK in due course.

Equality

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on (a) gender equality, (b) the rights of disabled people and (b) the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Caroline Dinenage: The UK has some of the strongest equality legislation and policies in the world. This will continue to be the case after we leave the EU. Domestic equality policy has always been set by Governments in this country and this will remain so. Many of the policies that we have in place go beyond what is required by the EU. The Government Equalities Office will continue to follow an ambitious programme of work to ensure that everyone has a fair chance and that no one is discriminated against because of their background.

Females: STEM Subjects

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what estimate she has made of the proportion of professional people working in STEM-related industries that are female.

Caroline Dinenage: According to the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), there were 1.26 million people employed as “science, research, engineering and technology professionals” in April 2016; and of this 1.26 million, 227,000 are female (18%). This data is published by the Office for National Statistics at the following link: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/annualsurveyofhoursandearnings/2016provisionalresults The Government is committed to increasing the number of women working at all levels in the STEM industries. That is why we are supporting girls to choose STEM subjects and careers by improving the quality of teaching of STEM subjects, increasing the proportion of girls’ A-level entries in maths and science. We are also raising awareness of STEM careers through the STEM ambassadors and publishing ‘Your Daughter’s Future’, online guidance to help parents support their daughter’s career choices. The 2015/16 provisional results show that 12,000 more girls sat A-Levels in STEM subjects compared to 2010. This data is published by the Department for Education at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/a-level-and-other-level-3-results-2015-to-2016-provisional